How Are Caries Formed?

It is not a matter of age. Adults and kids have had caries at some point of their life. It is a pathology able to destroy the enamel, which is the strongest substance in the human body. It attacks progressively each part of the tooth and it can lead in very serious consequences for our health. How are they formed?

The human body houses in a natural way a big amount of bacteria. In our mouth, saliva, bacteria and food debris end up together all over the surface of the teeth and they form dental plaque. If we don’t get ride off this plaque quite often or at least periodically, it attacks the enamel covering our teeth. From that moment, if it isn’t treated, it will keep moving forward attacking tissues, deeper and deeper as it advances.

Once the caries is formed, it doesn’t heal itself, it is necessary to visit the dentist, who will determine the perfect treatment depending of the stage of its evolution. The more time the caries is attacking our tooth, the more it suffers and bigger will be the intervention of the dentist. These are the main stages:

• The first stage of the evolution of caries is painless and its symptoms are very difficult to perceive. Caries affects enamel, a very strong substance covering teeth.
• Next, caries attacks the dentine. In this stage, caries starts to be painful.

• If caries doesn’t stop destroying dentine it can reach the dental pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are allocated. This infection provokes a very sharp pain.
• If we don’t take the appropriate actions, caries will go ahead until it reaches the tissue surrounding the tooth: periodontal ligaments, bone and gum which can provoke the tooth loosening.

The best option is to put it under control as soon as possible to protect our oral health. If the caries just affects the enamel and dentine, the dentist will remove the affected tissue and will fill it with some filling. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas because they block plaque and food.

Once the treatment has been done, it is necessary to keep preventive routines against dental caries. They are simple and easy:

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day with a floured tooth paste.
• And even more, keep a balanced diet and visit regularly your dentist.

If you feel any pain or you feel that a tooth is more sensitive than normal, go and visit your dentist as soon as possible, so that your smile doesn’t suffer.