Dental Caries

Symptoms

• Caries can be symptom free in early stages
• Changes to the tooth include white spots, which become brown spots and then cavities (a hole in the tooth)
• Once a cavity forms, the root becomes exposed and pain occurs

Etiology

• • Bacteria (strep mutans and others) metabolize carbohydrates to create acids that erode the tooth enamel surface
  • Individual, behavioral, and societal contributing factors are covered in Oral Disease Risk Factors topic.

Treatment

• Prevention is key - good oral hygiene, healthy diet, routine dental visits
• Once cavities occur, restorations (fillings), extractions, and/or root canal are needed

This process is reviewed in greater depth in the Smiles for Life "Child Oral Health" module.