An overview on dental caries

Abstract

Dental caries is a localized, progressive disease which results from the interplay of dietary carbohydrates, cari- ogenic bacteria within dental plaque and susceptible hard tooth surfaces demineralization of the hard tissues of the crown (coronal enamel, dentine) and root (cementum, dentine) surfaces of teeth. The causes of caries are multifactorial, but consumption of sucrose is one of the most important factors leading to caries development. The most successful preventive treatment combines all of these treatments like increasing the resistance of tooth to cariogenic attack, controlling the cariogenicity of plaque by denying the food supply and habitat in a program designed specifically for an individual. Caries research is by no means complete, but the etiology and pathogenesis are well understood that caries can be totally prevented in motivated persons.