<p>Dental caries is a sugar-dependent, infectious disease caused by the metabolic activity of bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. These bacteria produce acid as a by-product, which lowers the pH on the tooth surface. This acidic environment causes calcium and phosphate ions to leach out from the enamel, leading to <strong>demineralization</strong> and the formation of cavities</p>		
					<h2>Types of Dental Caries</h2>				
					<h3>•	Enamel Caries:</h3>				
		<ul><li>The initial sign can be observed as a white spot on the enamel. As the lesion progresses, the surface becomes rough, may develop stains, and pitting can occur, ultimately leading to <strong>cavitation</strong>.</li></ul>		
					<h3>•	Dentinal Caries:</h3>				
		<ul><li>This involves bacterial invasion into the dentin. Once bacteria reach the amelo-dentinal junction, they spread laterally, causing deeper damage.</li></ul>		
					<h3>•	Arrested Caries:</h3>				
		<p>Under certain conditions, caries can become inactive. These lesions are <strong>hard in texture and appear darker</strong> in color, indicating they are no longer progressing</p>		
					<h3>•	Root Caries:</h3>				
		<p>When the gums recede, the root surfaces of the teeth become exposed and more susceptible to decay, especially in older adults</p>		
					<h3>•	Pit and Fissure Caries:</h3>				
		<p>These develop in the natural grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molars and premolars</p>		
					<h3>•	Smooth Surface Caries:</h3>				
		<p>This type affects the flat, smooth surfaces of teeth that do not have pits, fissures, or grooves.</p>		
					<h2>What Causes Dental Caries?</h2>				
		<p>Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, triggered by a combination of factors which are as follows:</p><ul><li><strong>Tooth surface condition</strong></li><li><strong>Dental plaque (bacterial biofilm)</strong></li><li><strong>Diet (particularly high in sugars)</strong></li><li><strong>Time (duration of acid exposure)</strong></li></ul><p>For caries to develop, bacteria in dental plaque must feed on fermentable carbohydrates over a sustained period. The acid produced during this process damages the tooth surface</p>		
					<h2>Bacteria Involved in Dental Caries</h2>				
		<p>The key bacterial species associated with tooth decay include:</p><ul><li><em>Streptococcus mutans</em></li><li><em>Streptococcus salivarius</em></li><li><em>Lactobacillus</em> species</li><li><em>Actinomyces</em></li></ul><p>These bacteria play a central role in acid production and enamel breakdown.</p>		
					<h2>How to Prevent Dental Caries</h2>				
		<p>Preventing dental caries involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and dietary habits:</p>		
					<h3>•	Diet Control:</h3>				
		<ul><li>Limit the frequency of sugary food and drink consumption, especially between meals. Diets high in carbohydrates promote acid production by oral bacteria.</li></ul>		
					<h3>•	Fluoride Therapy:</h3>				
		<p>Fluoride helps in <strong>remineralizing early carious lesions</strong>. Use fluoridated toothpaste and drink fluoridated water. Professional fluoride applications like <strong>fluoride varnish</strong> can also aid in caries prevention</p>		
					<h3>•	Toothbrushing:</h3>