What is dental caries?

Dental caries, commonly called tooth decay or cavities, is an infection caused by bacteria in your mouth that produce acid when they feed on sugars and starches. This acid attacks tooth enamel and the underlying dentin, slowly eating away at the tooth's protective layers. The process typically advances through distinct stages that dentists watch for during examination.

The disease begins with a white spot lesion, a chalky patch where minerals are being lost from the enamel surface. If brushing with fluoride toothpaste and improved oral hygiene do not reverse this stage, the decay progresses to a brown or darker spot as more enamel breaks down. Eventually, the cavity penetrates through the enamel into the dentin, where decay spreads faster because dentin is softer than enamel. Without treatment, caries can reach the nerve chamber, causing pain and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Dentists use the term "dental caries" on treatment plans and clinical records because it refers to the disease process itself, not just the hole in the tooth. This precise terminology helps general dentistry providers in Ghana document the severity, location, and treatment needs with accuracy. Understanding that caries is an active infection also explains why prevention through fluoride, dietary control, and regular cleanings matters as much as filling or extraction.