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Diagnoses

Caries

About this diagnosis

Diagnoses are associated with common findings which are used to prescribe appropriate treatment.

Alternate terms: Cavities; Tooth decay.

Dental caries is a bacterial illness believed to be caused by a single strain of bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria use sugars from food and drinks that we eat to produce acids and enzymes that attack tooth enamel. Directly ingested acids, such as phosphoric acid found in many soft drinks, can also attack tooth enamel, resulting in a hole ("cavity") in the tooth. Food and drink containing citric acid (e.g. lemons) should be consumed in moderation. Dental caries can devastate teeth, even with all that is known about its causes, and all of the excellent preventive measures available to stop the disease. Proper nutrition and excellent oral hygiene are the keys to avoidance of dental caries.
Learn more: Prevention › Maintain good nutrition

Dental caries or tooth decay is caused by streptococcus mutans bacteria

Figure 1: A scanning electron micrograph of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, believed to be responsible for the majority of cavities in teeth. (Image obtained from http://www.zahnarzt-stuttgart.com, and used with permission).

Tooth decay (also called dental caries, or cavities)

Figure 2: The result of a sugary diet and poor oral hygiene is shown in the photographs of this tooth, isolated with a rubber dental dam for removal of the decay and placement of a filling. The full extent of the decay is not even visible in the lower right image, which shows that a large part of the decayed tooth had been cut away.