Dental Caries Specialists in Delhi

What is Dental Caries?

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, is the progressive destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced when oral bacteria metabolize sugars and starches left on the teeth. Over time, this acid erodes the hard outer enamel and can progress into the underlying dentin and eventually the tooth's inner pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside. It is one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally, affecting people of all ages, and if left untreated can lead to significant pain, infection, and tooth loss. Early-stage decay is often painless and reversible, making regular dental checkups important for detection before extensive damage occurs.

Causes of Dental Caries

Dental caries results from acid produced by oral bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, as they break down sugars and refined carbohydrates from food into acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Frequent snacking, poor oral hygiene, insufficient fluoride exposure, and dry mouth from reduced saliva flow all accelerate the decay process by allowing acid to remain in contact with teeth for longer periods. Genetics, enamel defects, and certain medical conditions also influence individual susceptibility to cavities.

Symptoms of Dental Caries

visible white, brown, or black spots on teeth, tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, toothache ranging from mild to severe, visible holes or pits in the teeth, pain when biting down, bad breath, swelling or pus around a tooth in advanced cases

Treatment & Types of Dental Caries in Delhi

Early, superficial decay can sometimes be reversed or halted with fluoride treatments and improved oral hygiene before a cavity fully forms. Once a cavity has developed, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and filled with a dental restorative material such as composite resin or amalgam. More extensive decay reaching the pulp requires root canal treatment to remove infected tissue, and severely damaged teeth that cannot be restored may need to be extracted.

Dental caries is classified by the layer of tooth involved, progressing from enamel caries, the earliest, often reversible stage, to dentin caries, once decay has advanced past the enamel, and finally pulp involvement, which typically requires root canal treatment. It is also described by location, such as smooth-surface, pit-and-fissure, or root caries, each with different risk patterns and prevention strategies.

Dentistry Specialists in Delhi (11)

Frequently Asked Questions