What Dental Caries?

Dental caries or decay is a very common disease which causes cavities and discoloration of both permanent and "baby" teeth.

As the disease progresses the tooth:

• Becomes weaker and may fracture.
• May become painful.
• Nerve may be damaged.

What Causes Dental Caries?

Dental decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acid which then dissolves the tooth.

Bacteria only produce this acid when they are exposed to sugar.

How Can One Prevent Dental Caries?

You can prevent decay by:

• Having a sensible diet - be careful how often you eat sugary foods or have sugary drinks.
• Having an effective oral hygiene routine - proper tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning to reduce bacteria on tooth surfaces.
• Using fluoride - this makes enamel more resistant to acid.