Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.

Almost everyone is likely to have heard of the dental disease known as tooth decay, or caries. Some people may even have been affected by it themselves. But what exactly is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a bacterial disease of the teeth – more precisely, of the tooth enamel. Every tooth is surrounded by a protective layer, which is home to a large number of bacteria. Some of these are actually beneficial, while others can cause considerable damage. The harmful group of bacteria feeds on excess sugar in the mouth. During this process, the pH value at the tooth surface drops too low. As a consequence, the tooth enamel is attacked and gradually broken down. This leads to the well-known black hole in the tooth. In particularly severe cases, the teeth are damaged to such an extent that they eventually fall out.

Causes and risk factors of tooth decay

Tooth decay can have several triggers. A lack of dental check-ups (for example due to dental anxiety) contributes to its development, as does increased sugar consumption. Dental caries is primarily caused by plaque bacteria that live on sugar residues in the spaces between the teeth. Some patients already had susceptible teeth with low resistance to begin with.
The risk of disease is particularly high when several of these factors come together.

Removing tooth decay – what can be done about it?

The most effective way to eliminate tooth decay is treatment by a dentist, who seals the affected teeth using a special procedure. This method is used above all for advanced tooth decay. For daily tooth cleaning, fluoride toothpaste is recommended. An antibacterial mouthwash also removes harmful bacteria.

Preventing tooth decay – prophylaxis

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay. Brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening, and use fine dental floss to clean the spaces between the teeth. In addition, regular check-ups by a dentist are advisable. These check-up appointments should take place twice a year, six months apart. After a meal, sugar-free dental chewing gum can neutralise the decay-causing acids in the mouth.

Recognising tooth decay – symptoms of caries

Tooth decay develops gradually. At the very beginning, the disease appears as a white patch on the tooth (known as initial caries). At the same time, cold foods are perceived as rather unpleasant due to tooth sensitivity. Treatment is needed at this early stage in order to prevent further spread. As the disease progresses, the teeth take on a brownish colour and begin to hurt. The discomfort is further intensified by chewing. Black holes can be found in and on the teeth. If the disease is already far advanced, tooth loss may be the result.

Is tooth decay contagious?

Bacterial tooth decay is indeed contagious – something many people are not aware of. When cutlery is shared, the bacteria are transmitted orally. The disease also spreads when toys are put into the mouth by different people. This route of transmission accounts for tooth decay in children. You can take precautions by giving everyone their own spoons and forks. With children, make sure they do not chew on other children's toys. Another route of transmission is droplet infection through coughing. Particularly during the cold season, there is an increased risk of infection not only for common illnesses but also for dental caries. When coughing, patients should hold a paper tissue in front of their mouth and dispose of it afterwards.

What types of tooth decay are there?

The condition is classified into three forms in total. Pit and fissure caries spreads primarily on the biting surfaces of the molars. Caries at the neck of the tooth (cervical caries) often goes hand in hand with receding gums caused by periodontal disease. This form of caries mostly affects adult patients of advanced age; here, the decay settles at the neck of the tooth. The third variant is known among dentists as smooth surface caries. In this case, the outer surfaces of the tooth are affected by decay. The cause lies in an increased build-up of plaque, which provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. A special form is baby bottle tooth decay in children. It is caused by giving very sugary drinks in a feeding bottle.

Treating tooth decay – diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is usually made by the dentist. Because of its typical symptoms, tooth decay is quite easy to recognise. The dentist examines the suspicious areas of the tooth with a mirror. If necessary, the structure of the teeth is carefully probed. An X-ray can also provide precise clarity. The subsequent treatment approach depends on the extent of the disease. During caries treatment, the cavity is filled with a special paste in order to restore the tooth enamel. The seal protects the teeth from harmful influences. Anxious patients can opt for laser treatment. In the early stages of the disease, the dentist applies a fluoride treatment, which serves primarily as a preventive measure. For a good prospect of recovery, treatment must begin in good time. In the early stages, further deterioration of dental health can often still be halted.