Dental caries according to who
Dental caries is tooth decay caused by acids from bacterial plaque that dissolve enamel and dentine over time.
The short answer
Dental caries, commonly called tooth decay or a cavity, is a disease in which plaque acids remove minerals from tooth structure.
How do plaque bacteria start the tooth decay process?
Caries begins when bacteria in dental plaque use fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids. Repeated acid exposure can demineralize enamel, then progress into dentine and eventually irritate the pulp if untreated.
What daily steps can help prevent further tooth decay?
Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, limit frequent sugary or acidic exposures, and attend examinations. A dentist may use visual inspection, probing when appropriate, bitewing radiographs, and risk assessment to identify disease.
Which signs of tooth decay need a dental examination?
See a dentist for sensitivity, a visible hole, staining with a rough surface, food trapping, or toothache. Urgent care is needed for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
What treatment options might be suitable for this caries lesion?
Ask whether the lesion is active or arrested, which tooth layers are involved, and whether fluoride, monitoring, a sealant, or a restoration is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Caries is the disease process. A cavity is the hole or loss of tooth structure that may result when the process progresses.
Can early caries be reversed?
Early mineral loss without a hole may be managed with fluoride and plaque-control measures. A formed cavity cannot be brushed back into place.
Why do dentists take bitewing X-rays?
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.