OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19     Learn More
close
close
For a better experience on crest.com, please enable JavaScript in your browser.
  • PART OF THE P&G FAMILY:
  • Oral B
  • dentalcare.com
  • P&G Good Everyday
USA - English
Please select a location
  • Canada - English
  • Canada - French
  • USA United - English English
Login   Register
LOG OUT CONFIRMATION
Would you like to logout now? LOG OUT
Contact Us
Crest
Search
  • TOOTHPASTE
  • WHITESTRIPS
  • MOUTHWASH
  • KIDS
  • LEARN
      • Why crest
      • Why Crest
      • Crest Toothpaste
      • Crest Whitestrips
      • Crest Mouthwash
      • Stannous Fluoride Protection
      • Oral Hygiene
      • Crest Recycling
      • FAQ
      • Crest Mouthwash Usage Guidelines
      • Conditions
      • Conditions
      • Bad Breath
      • Cavities & Tooth Decay
      • Gum Health
      • Plaque & Tartar
      • Teeth Sensitivity
      • Teeth Stains
      • Tooth Enamel
      • Toothache
      • Wisdom Teeth
      • Life Stages
      • Life Stages
      • Kids
      • Braces
      • Adults
      • Infants
      • Pregnancy
    • VIEW ALL ORAL CARE TOPICS
  • REWARDS
  • SHOP
    • View All Products
  • Toothpaste
    • View All Toothpaste Products
  • Mouthwash
      View All Mouthwash Products
  • Whitestrips
  • Sensitivity
    • View All Sensitivity Products
  • Kids
    • View All Kids Products
  • By Need
  • By Collection
  • Home >
  • What are Dental Caries? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Print This

What are Dental Caries? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Recommended 0 times Recommend This
Share :

YOU'RE NOW LEAVING CREST.COM

We recommend you review the third-party site’s privacy policy, as their privacy practices may differ from P&G.

Any personal information you provide on the third-party’s website will be managed in accordance with their privacy policy.

Thank you for visiting Crest.com.

Please click the link below to

Share on

Email Thisemail

SHARE THIS BY EMAIL

What are Dental Caries? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

THERE ARE (#) ERRORS ON THIS PAGE.
   
   
   
   
SEND
CANCEL

EMAIL SENT SUCCESSFULLY

Your email has been successfully sent to the recipient.

Continue

Causes of Dental Caries
Symptoms of Dental Caries
Treating Dental Caries
Preventing Dental Caries

Dental caries, also referred to as cavities and tooth decay, are both common and preventable. We’ve all probably already experienced or will get at least one cavity at some point in our lives. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with dental caries, treating them, and preventing them.

Causes of Dental Caries

When we eat, bacteria break down any leftover food that’s still in our mouths and secretes acid as a result. These acids attack the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth), weaken the tooth, and can cause gum disease. Dental caries can appear in two forms:

  • Occlusal caries: Form on the area right on top of the tooth and are easy to spot.
  • Interproximal caries: Form in between teeth and can go unnoticed in their initial stages.

Not properly cleaning teeth is often a primary cause of dental caries. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing removes the harmful bacteria, acid, and plaque buildup that contributes to cavities.

Symptoms of Dental Caries

Most people are susceptible to dental caries, especially those of us who consume foods heavy in sugars or carbohydrates. Here are the common signs to look for if a cavity begins to form:

  • Weakened enamel
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Small holes on the surface of the tooth
  • Discoloration around a specific spot
  • Pits in the affected tooth
  • Persistent toothache

As dental caries take shape, enamel demineralizes and the tooth loses its natural ability to strengthen and protect the calcium and phosphate structure. Acid then comes into contact with the affected tooth, penetrating it and destroying it from the inside out.

Treating Dental Caries

Dental caries are easily treatable by your dentist. Depending on the stage of decay, the following four treatments are most common in taking care of a cavity:

  • Fillings: Most common treatment for cavities, your dentist will drill into the affected tooth and remove the decayed portion before filling in the now-empty space.
  • Crowns: If most of the tooth has begun to decay then your dentist will fit you for a crown to cover the remaining part of the tooth and protect it from further damage.
  • Root Canal: If the decay reaches your nerves, then a procedure is undertaken to remove damaged or dead nerves to prevent further impairment and infection.
  • Extraction: In severe cases, or baby teeth, the affected tooth is completely removed by the root. For adults, the decay damage may be beyond repair, and to prevent infection your dentist will simply pull out the entire tooth. If this happens, options for preserving your smile include partial dentures, bridges, and implants.

Preventing Dental Caries

Though dental caries can lead to severe damage and sometimes tooth loss, they are highly preventable. Following a good oral care routine is often your best bet in ensuring cavities don’t take root:

  • Brush twice daily to remove tartar and plaque buildup
  • Switch from a manual to an electric toothbrush for a more complete, tooth-by-tooth clean
  • Floss at least once a day to get rid of any buildup between teeth and along the gum line
  • Incorporate a rinse into your daily regimen to better remove any leftover particles
  • Use fluoride products to reduce acid production such as Crest Pro-Health toothpaste
  • Be sure to visit your dental professional at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups

With proper oral care and dental checkups, you’ll stay a step ahead of dental caries for healthier teeth and gums.

 
 
 

Related Products

  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Intensive Clean Toothpaste

    Targets the gum line to neutralize plaque bacteria and prevent gingivitis, while repairing weakened enamel.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 124 )
  • Gum and Sensitivity All Day Protection Toothpaste
    QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum and Sensitivity All Day Protection Toothpaste

    80% of sensitivity starts at the gum line, so treat sensitivity at the source with the toothpaste that wraps your teeth in sensitivity protection that lasts all day.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 36 )
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • Visit Crest on Facebook
  • Follow Crest on Twitter
  • Visit Crest's YouTube Channel
SIGN UP
SAVE ON HEALTHY SMILES Sign up to get the emails with savings on Crest Toothpaste, oral hygiene products, expert advice and more reasons for a healthy smile.

SHOP

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Whitestrips
  • Kids
  • Our Ambition
  • Sustainability
  • Ingredients

Help & Support

  • Contact Us
  • RELATED SITES
  • P&G Brands
  • OralB.com

Dental Professional?

  • Visit dentalcare.com
  • bbb logo
  • SmartlabelIcon For ingredients and more, select a product.
    • Better Business Bureau
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
  • CA Privacy
  • Careers
  • AdChoices Ad Choices
  • Site Map
  • © 2021 Procter & Gamble
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information