What is dental caries?
Tooth decay is a pathology that causes an infection and is capable of destroying oral tissues. It is an oral infection, caused by bacteria in the mouth, which begin by destroying the tooth enamel, in order to deepen the inner layers of the teeth.
In our dental clinic we are experts in conservative and preventive dentistry. This means that we care about your smile and we want you to keep your natural teeth in perfect condition.
To understand how cavities form it is important to know what plaque is and its consequences. These are oral bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. The problem is when they are not eliminated correctly through oral hygiene.
What happens if the bacteria are not effectively removed is that the plaque will turn into tartar. Tartar is hardened or calcified plaque. The only way to remove tartar from teeth is through professional teeth cleaning. This treatment, also known as oral prophylaxis or tartrectomy, is performed in dental clinics.
Therefore, in addition to following good lifestyle habits and brushing your teeth daily, it is important to visit the dental clinic. The purpose of these visits is to avoid the appearance of cavities or to treat them quickly. Early detection is essential.
Dental caries begins its destructive action in the enamel, to gradually enter the rest of the tissues, such as dentin. It will then reach the dental pulp. The treatment for caries varies depending on the damage generated and its complexity as well. Hence the importance of early diagnosis.
Symptoms of tooth decay
Due to the symptoms of caries, it is common for them to be diagnosed quickly. However, these infections are mild in their early stages and only a specialized dentist can detect them. If you visit the dental clinic regularly, you will have optimal oral health and free of cavities. In addition, if you suffer from any of these signs you should visit our specialists:
- Color changes in the damaged tooth.
- Acute and persistent dental pain.
- Noticeable dental sensitivity.
- Constant bad breath.
- Presence of fissures or oral fractures.
- Pain when biting or chewing food.
- Presence of dental abscess or phlegmon.
- Dental mobility.
Prevention of tooth decay
- Oral hygiene.
- Healthy habits.
- Visits to the dentist.
- Caries treatments:
- Dental obturation.
- Endodontics.
- Exodontics.