Infection of one or more teeth is known as caries. It affects up to 25% of the adult population in developed countries.
It is caused by bacteria that colonise the surface of the tooth (plaque) and penetrate into its inner layers. It depends on genetic factors, eating habits and oral hygiene. Sugar-rich foods encourage its formation.
It initially appears with a defect of texture and colour on the surface of the tooth, and when progressing and affecting deeper layers, pain appears. Pain typically increases when ingesting cold or hot foods.
Diagnosis is clinical, through questioning and examination of the mouth. An X-ray of the tooth may be performed to analyse the depth of the cavity.
Initial treatment involves managing pain with regular painkillers. The tooth must be cleaned and repaired; in many cases antibiotic treatment is added to avoid the spread of the disease. Depending on the degree of involvement, it may be necessary to kill the nerve of the tooth (endodoncy) or extraction of the tooth in the most severe cases.
To prevent caries, it is important to brush your teeth daily, use dental floss to remove debris from between the teeth and have regular check-ups with your dentist.
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