Caries

What is caries?

 

Caries, also called tooth decay, is a disease of the hard tissues of the teeth and is one of the most common infectious diseases of the teeth. Bacteria convert sugars ingested through food into tooth-damaging acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and deeper layers, causing the "holes in the tooth" typical of caries.

 

 

How can I recognise caries?

 

In its early stages, caries cannot be recognised immediately by pain or holes in the teeth, but can remain undetected for a long time. However, early detection of caries is particularly important to prevent drastic damage to teeth. If caries is first noticed through toothache, the disease is already far advanced. The first symptoms are, for example, light or brownish spots on the teeth, which can still be treated by simply remineralising the teeth. In later stages, caries is comparatively difficult to treat and dentists are often forced to resort to the drill.
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How does caries develop?

 

The bacteria responsible for caries (Streptococcus mutans) do not belong to the natural flora of the oral cavity; they are only transmitted from person to person in the course of life. However, the bacteria themselves do not necessarily cause caries, which is why it is not counted as a contagious diseases. The bacteria convert sugars from food into damaging acids that attack the tooth enamel and lead to demineralisation of the tooth. Although the teeth can be remineralised by saliva, this mechanism is overtaxed and the enamel loses its stability if the acid exposure caused by frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks continues. If no treatment is given at this stage, the bacteria penetrate further and further into the enamel and work their way deeper and deeper into the tooth, often unnoticed. After reaching the dentin (tooth bone) inside the tooth, the first pain is felt. If bacteria penetrate to the pulp (tooth pulp), those affected suffer from very severe toothache. Now the bacteria can spread unhindered in the jaw and thus often cause the tooth to decay.

 

 

Risk factors

 

• Insufficient oral hygiene
• Fluorid-deficiency
• Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks
• Genetic factors (e.g. low basic pH in the oral cavity)
• Poor salivation

 

 

Successful caries prophylaxis

 

Limiting the consumption of high-sugar foods and regular check-ups with your dentist can effectively prevent tooth decay. However, the most important thing is thorough oral hygiene. With our happybrush sonic toothbrush, you are well equipped to effectively remove plaque (deposits on the teeth) and limit the formation of harmful acids. In addition, our SuperBlack toothpaste ensures that your tooth enamel is strengthened against demineralisation through optimal fluoride supply! This way you can easily and stylishly give tooth decay the cold shoulder and your teeth are happy!

 

 

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