Caries: what they are and how they can be prevented

Caries is a disease in which a destruction of a part of the dental tissue.

Its origin is multifactorial; on the one hand, we have the bacteria, which in the presence of bacterial plaque produce acids that destroy some dental tissue, and on the other, is the genetic predisposition.

Caries diagnosis

The caries diagnosis should be performed by a specialist in dentistry , since in many cases the presence of cavities gives no symptoms until it is in an advanced state; hence the importance of regular checkups with the dentist.

Whenever there is pain with cold or heat, we think that this tooth may have a cavity.

Caries treatment

Treatment of caries depends on the type that is:

• Caries instituted: its treatment is based on clean and remove carious tissue, and make a filling (filling), which replaces the part of the tooth that we had to remove.
• Caries incipient: they can be made ​​treatments that are halfway between prevention and treatment. We can harden tissues with topical treatments, fluoride and, in some cases, we can make a resin infiltration without making a cavity in the tooth.

When cavities advance, there comes a time when they can affect dental pulp (tooth nerve) causing pain, swelling and even abscess, which must be treated with antibiotics.

Caries prevention

Cavities are preventable with lifestyle, having a little cariogenic food, and maintaining an exquisite hygiene. Another factor involved in preventing tooth decay is the application of fluorides.