What is caries?

Tooth Decay — a pathological process that develops after the eruption of a tooth. During decay, there is demineralization and softening of the hard tissues of the tooth, which is subsequently followed by the formation of a carious defect in the form of a cavity. Tooth decay has been known for a long time. The literature describes records from as far back as 2,500 to 3,000 years ago concerning teeth affected by decay.

The prevalence and intensity of decay vary in different regions of the world. This is influenced by many factors. First and foremost, the role of fluoride should be noted. It has been established that if the body is supplied with sufficient amounts of fluoride, the frequency of tooth decay decreases. The nature of diet plays a significant role in the development of decay. The role of carbohydrates in diet is noteworthy. Research has shown that a high intake of sweets increases the intensity of tooth decay. Along with carbohydrates, microorganisms play a significant role in the development of decay as they produce lactic acid and other organic acids through the fermentation of carbohydrates.