1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="mzytmaKNv6"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-caries/">Dental Caries</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/dental-caries/embed/#?secret=mzytmaKNv6" width="600" height="338" title="“Dental Caries” — Glossary" data-secret="mzytmaKNv6" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp. The three most prominent theories used to explain the etiology of the disase are that acids produced by bacteria lead to decalcification; that micro-organisms destroy the enamel protein; or that keratolytic micro-organisms produce chelates that lead to decalcification.Tooth decay always begins on the external surfaces of a tooth. No single bacteria has been implicated in the etiology; however, Lactobacillus acidophilus and streptococcal bacteria are believed to be responsible.Tooth decay; progressive decalcification of the enamel and dentin of a tooth. The condition is caused by dental infection, and the erosion of teeth by the acid byproducts of bacterial metabolism on their surfaces.Dental caries, resulting from the action of microorganisms that metabolize sugars in food into acids, leading to the erosion of tooth enamel.The progressive deterioration of the hard covering of a tooth, known as enamel, as well as the underlying softer substance called dentine, is commonly referred to as tooth decay.The primary cause of dental caries is plaque, a sticky substance composed of food remnants, by-products of saliva, and bacteria that accumulates on the surface of teeth. Bacteria break down the food particles, generating acid that corrodes the enamel, resulting in the formation of cavities. If left unaddressed, decay progresses to the dentine, and as the cavity enlarges, bacteria can invade and deteriorate the pulp tissue located at the center of the tooth.The initial stages of dental caries typically manifest on the chewing surfaces of the molars and in areas near the gum line. In its early stages, dental caries often does not produce noticeable symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, it can result in toothache, which may be intensified by the consumption of very sweet, hot, or cold foods. Advanced decay can also lead to halitosis, commonly known as bad breath.The treatment for dental caries involves the removal of the decayed portion by drilling and filling the resulting cavity. In cases of advanced decay, it may be necessary to extract the tooth or perform a root canal procedure, which involves removing the infected pulp and replacing it with a filling.The likelihood of dental caries can be minimized by reducing sugar intake, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, and scheduling regular dental check-ups. Additionally, the prevention of caries is supported by water fluoridation and the use of fluoride toothpaste.