Caries teeth
Dental caries is tooth decay caused by acids from plaque bacteria dissolving enamel and, later, dentine.
What are dental caries and how do they damage teeth?
Dental caries is tooth decay caused by acids from plaque bacteria dissolving enamel and, later, dentine.
How do sugars and plaque bacteria start tooth decay?
Caries begins when plaque bacteria use sugars and produce acids that pull minerals from the tooth surface. Repeated acid attacks can create a softened enamel lesion, a cavity, or infection if decay reaches the pulp.
How is tooth decay found between teeth or under fillings?
A dentist checks the tooth visually and with instruments, and may use radiographs to find decay between teeth or beneath a filling. Care can range from fluoride and monitoring for an early lesion to a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction for advanced disease.
What daily habits can help prevent dental caries?
Clean twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and reduce frequent sugary drinks and snacks. Arrange an examination for sensitivity, a visible hole, food trapping, pain, or a dark area that is changing.
What should you ask about treating and protecting a decayed tooth?
Ask how deep the lesion is, whether it is active, whether it can be remineralised or needs a filling, and how the restoration and surrounding tooth will be protected.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be managed at home?
A dentist checks the tooth visually and with instruments, and may use radiographs to find decay between teeth or beneath a filling.
What determines treatment?
Ask how deep the lesion is, whether it is active, whether it can be remineralised or needs a filling, and how the restoration and surrounding tooth will be protected.
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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.