- Dental caries, also known as tooth decay and dental cavities, are a disease of the teeth that results in the destruction of tooth enamel.
- Two groups of bacteria are responsible for initiating cavities: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus.
- Dental problems related to dental cavities result in more school absences than any other childhood disease.
- Cariology is the study of dental caries.
- Some dental cavities, can only be detected by using X-rays or other sophisticated dental equipment.
- If left untreated, dental cavities can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death.
- It’s the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth that causes dental caries.
- Caries are more likely between teeth.
- In the U.S. dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease, being at least 5 times more common than asthma.
- Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent caries.
- The primary focus of brushing and flossing is to remove and prevent the formation of plaque. Plaque consists mostly of bacteria.
- Professional hygiene care consists of regular dental examinations and cleanings.
- It has been found that milk and certain kinds of cheese like Cheddar can help counter tooth decay if eaten soon after the consumption of foods potentially harmful to teeth.
- Worldwide, most children and an estimated 90% of adults have experienced caries, with the disease most prevalent in Asian and Latin American countries and least prevalent in African countries.
Facts about dental cavities (caries)
