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Dental caries
Dental Caries and tooth decay.
What is tooth decay?
In dentistry, the term “dental caries” refers to an infection that occurs in one or
both of the teeth. It can result from food particles stuck between your teeth.
This type of infection is most common in children due to inadequate brushing
and flossing.
Foods Cause Dental Caries
Other foods that may contain bacteria that cause dental caries include milk, juice, apples,
bananas, and citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, raspberries, berries, tomatoes,
peaches, kiwi, papaya, melons and nectarines. Some bacterial strains are also found in water
supplies and soil.
Symptoms of dental caries

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The condition usually appears as sensitivity that affects one side of the mouth
only. In cases where it spreads laterally to other areas, this includes both
upper and lower teeth. The following symptoms may indicate a person has a
tooth problem:
- Painful teeth
- Sores on your gums/teeth or swollen gums
- Stains around the tooth (cavities) or in places where you brush (periodontitis)
- Bleeding in one area (haemorrhoids) or pain in other areas (ulcers).
- You have problems with chewing, swallowing, speaking, eating or drinking
anything.
- Trouble sleeping or eating without special food.
- Poor concentration at school or work.
- Problems with memory or learning ability
- Your family history of heart disease, diabetes, stroke or vascular blockage.
What are other causes?
Other causes of tooth decay include:
- Tobacco smoking – Smoking damages both enamel and the bone in your
teeth leading to weak, yellowish plaque. If you smoke, seek medical advice
and do not ignore signs such as gum bleeding. Talk with your dentist if you
suspect that tobacco use is causing your caries. Ask for help.
- Periodontal disease – This is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the
teeth. During periods of plaque build-up, plaque cannot be removed
completely. As a result, your health becomes more susceptible to conditions
such as oral cancer (malignant) cells. These cells grow and multiply because
of a lack of oxygen due to the poor blood supply. They may lead to periodontal
disease.
- Dental amalgamates – Dentists extract some of these mercury compounds
from molars during their treatment. Although these extracts are safe, they can
damage any remaining dental tissue. Avoid them if you see a dentist.
- Infections – Saliva contains microorganisms that play host to various
diseases. Malodorous substances such as formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide or

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hydrogen peroxide are often present in saliva. Mouthwash containing fluoride
is recommended to remove these harmful substances on a regular basis.
- Sedentary lifestyle – People who spend too much time sitting in front of
computers and television sets are at risk of developing caries. Eating too
many sugary foods is another contributing factor. Reducing sugary
consumption is important as it helps prevent caries.
How does it affect my health?
Caries are a chronic infection, meaning they will last for many years before
healing starts. Therefore, getting rid of caries can have significant effects on
your overall health. If it were left untreated, it could potentially lead to
osteoporosis, which affects bones. Osteoporosis is very serious, and it can
lead to fractures.
Bone mass is required to support your body, for example, your spine and your
hips. Tooth loss will put a large strain on your body resulting in less balance
and coordination and higher chances of falling. Also, teeth can become loose
and exposed so people may develop infections. When the skin on your mouth
is damaged, the condition known as psoriasis may appear. If left untreated,
this can cause scarring.
However, proper care can be provided through proper hygiene and good
nutrition. Your saliva may contain several infectious agents which may lead to
caries. Proper brushing and flossing are important to prevent caries. However,
poor diet and sedentary lifestyles may contribute. Speak to your doctor about
your concerns.
A dental cleaning, if necessary, should take place every six months for two
weeks. Regular visits to the dentist can also help to keep caries at bay.
Sometimes, mouthwashes can help when applied topically. Your dentist may
offer an anti-caries product for treatment. Remember: prevention is better than cure.
What are some tips for preventing dental caries?
Brushing regularly. Brushing thoroughly once you wake up in the morning and
twice a day for two minutes can help keep caries at bay. Flossing is
particularly useful to clean your teeth. Apply a bit of gentle pressure with a

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soft-bristled brush for 30 seconds. Wipe down using a cloth to remove any
debris or food particles.
Keep in mind that all types of food may harbour caries-causing microbes. So
eat food that’s been properly prepared. Eat well. Foods rich in calcium, such as
yoghurt, milk, cheese, cheese and green leafy vegetables, contain lots of
calcium.
Make sure you get enough dietary calcium by eating whole grains and foods
high in vitamin B. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruit and veggie salads
and sandwiches with grilled chicken or ham give you valuable dietary calcium.
Eat a balanced diet containing nutrients such as protein, vitamins and
minerals including calcium and iron, but not saturated fats. Drink enough
fluids. Drinks should be hydrating. Try to drink at least 2 litres each day. Avoid
alcohol. Alcoholic drinks increase bad cholesterol levels. To reduce sugar
levels, try cutting back on sweets, chocolate bars and sodas.
Cut down on sugar and sweetened beverages. Limit caffeine and alcohol and
limit caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee (if you should need them).
Don’t forget to talk to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise
program. Maintain a healthy weight. Weight control is important to prevent
caries. Do not skip meals. Skipping meals will keep things out of your system.
Consume healthy snacks as you go so you don’t overeat because the food is
still within your system.
Get adequate sleep and rest. Sleep is also important because it helps your
body repair itself. Lack of sleep can increase stress and tiredness and lead to
increased appetites, irritability and even depression.
Exercise every day — or at least 3-5 days a week for 2–3 hours is best for you.
Find an activity you enjoy doing. Whether it’s walking, jogging or swimming, try
something new and make sure you find something that suits your lifestyle.
Aim to eat healthy but not bland. Focus on eating foods low in added sugars,
salt or fat.
Increase amounts of fibre such as beans, whole grain cereals, fruit,
vegetables and beans. Choose low-calorie or reduced-salt foods. For instance,
look for recipes that are low in sodium (less than 25 mg/100 g).
Drink water instead of soda, carbonated drinks or juice. Add small amounts
of low-sodium condiments to foods. Look for alternatives such as tomato
sauce (instead of mayonnaise), olive oil or vinegar.
Be aware of what you eat. Know your portion sizes and watch the calories in
each item. Stick to portion-size rules when eating.

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Always ask for help from someone else if you need extra help. Wash your
hands frequently before handling food. Use gloves when cooking meat or raw
foods to minimize the transfer of germs.
Never share utensils, forks, spoons, knives and scissors inside the home.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like countertops, sinks, ovens
and fryers. Keep carpets free of dirt and spills.
Brush your teeth daily and floss twice daily to clear away food particles and
tartar. Get your pet checked regularly. Pets can harbour dangerous parasites
and bacteria. Healthy pets help to avoid caries and the possibility of dental
complications.
Other potential causes of dental caries:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Drinking hot liquids such as coffee, tea, red wine, cider, beer and spirits
- Excessive chewing
Causes to treatment.
- Heavy snacking – chewing is an involuntary action that happens involuntarily after eating.
Eating food sticks to the tongue and begins when the mouth opens, while chewing takes place
between teeth. Chewing creates tiny holes in the gum tissue, causing bacteria called candida.
Unchecked chewing habits over time will eventually begin to affect your health.
- Bad dental hygiene – Dirty teeth or gum that has fallen out from gum
disease or dental abscess is often the cause of dental caries. Keeping your

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teeth clean is important to prevent cavities. Ensure that there are no cracks on
the surface of your teeth, especially those under your gum line. Remove stains
and sticky tartar from the gum line.
Use white or soft bristles to clean your teeth. Spit your tongue into the
mouthpiece between your teeth, pulling out food particles. Wet your hand and
apply toothpaste or rinse your mouth with warm water. Replace the moistened
wet toothpaste or wash your mouth with running water until dry. Rinse with
cool water and then wipe off the toothpaste.
Allow airing dry thoroughly. Gently massage your dry mouth gently using the
back of a toothbrush. Seal tightly with adhesive tape. Check for missing tooth
pieces and replace them if necessary. Take a deep breath and relax. Repeat
this process on alternate teeth. Visit your dentist every 6 months.
- Gingivitis – This can be quite embarrassing and painful. It means that gum
disease has spread beyond the lips and has infected your entire mouth. One
particular group of gum disorders is termed lichen planus, which is when
gums begin to swell along an artery. Lichen planus is fairly uncommon, but it
happens in less than 10% of patients. There is nothing that can be done to
treat that individual.
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