Caries

Caries is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. You can reduce your risk of tooth decay by brushing your teeth every day with fluoride toothpaste, avoiding snacking and visiting the dentist regularly.

"The best way to protect against tooth decay is to have a daily oral care routine with fluoride and to avoid snacking. The earlier we detect tooth decay, the easier it is to treat."
- Eva, dental hygienist at Dentme

What is dental caries?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is caused by bacteria in the mouth that convert sugar into acid. The acid breaks down the enamel, and if the process continues, a cavity can form in the tooth. Initially, the damage may be slowed down or healed, but if it reaches the inside of the tooth, a root canal may be needed.

How do cavities form?

Every time we eat or drink something other than water, an acid attack starts in the mouth. It lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes. If you snack often, your saliva doesn't have time to neutralize the acid, which means that cavities can develop faster.

Caries occurs most often:

- On chewing surfaces with deep furrows

- Between the teeth

- Along the gum line

Early signs of caries

In the beginning, you often do not notice that you have caries. But some early signals can be:

- White spots on the enamel

- Tingling when cold or sweet

- Brown or black spots

-Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath

If caries is not treated in time, it can causetoothache, infection of the dental nerve or lead to the tooth having to be extracted.

Dental caries in children and young people

Children's milk teeth have thinner enamel and are therefore particularly sensitive. It is important to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and avoid sugar in everyday life. Children need help brushing their teeth until they are at least 10-12 years old.

Wisdom teeth and caries

Wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean and therefore often suffer from caries. If problems occur repeatedly, the dentist may recommend that the wisdom tooth be removed.

Risk factors that increase the risk of caries

In addition to oral hygiene and diet, there are other factors that influence risk:

- Dry mouth (may be caused by medicines or diseases)

- Smoking and snus

- Diabetes or other chronic diseases

- High intake of sugar and acids

- Bad or old fillings

If necessary, the dentist may recommend a prescription fluoride rinse or fluoride tablets.

When should you seek dental treatment?

You should book a visit to the dentist if you

- Feeling tingling or toothache

- See discoloration or stains on teeth

- Suspect cavities between teeth

- Not had a dental examination for over a year

At Dentme, Examinations and caries treatment are included in Membership.

Treatment of dental caries

Treatment is adjusted according to how far caries has progressed:

- Early damage: Fluoride treatment and improved hygiene may be enough

- Smaller holes: Removal of damaged material and filling

- Deep caries:Root canal filling may be necessary if the pulp is inflamed

- Serious injury: The tooth may need to be extracted and replaced withimplant

What does it cost to repair a hole?

At Dentme, Membership costs SEK 149 per month and includes fillings and other necessary dental care. At other clinics, the Price for a filling is around SEK 800 to 2,000 depending on the extent.

How to prevent tooth decay

- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (minimum 1450 ppm)

- Floss or use a interdental brush every day

- Avoid snacking and sugary drinks

- Drink water between meals

- Go to the dentist regularly

Fluoride - your most important protection

Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attack. In addition to toothpaste, fluoride rinses, fluoride tablets and fluoride gel are available for use in high-risk situations.

Frequently asked questions about caries

Can caries go back on its own?
Yes, superficial lesions can heal with the help of fluoride and good oral hygiene if detected in time.

How do I know if I have a cavity?
It is usually not noticed until the damage is more severe. The dentist detects cavities during Examination or X-ray.

Does it hurt to fix a hole?
No, not with modern local anesthesia. Treatment is often quick and painless.

How often should I go to the dentist?
At least once a year, or more often if you have had a lot of cavities in the past.

Which toothpaste is best against cavities?
Use a fluoride toothpaste with at least 1450 ppm fluoride. If you are at high risk, you may be prescribed stronger products.

Can I get cavities even if I brush every day?
Yes, you can. If you snack, have a dry mouth or neglect interdental cleaning, caries can still occur.

Sources used by Dentme:

1177 Vårdguiden - Cavities in the teeth (caries)
https://www.1177.se/Vastra-Gotaland/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tandproblem/hal-i-tanderna-karies/

Tandläkartidningen - Caries treatment
https://www.tandlakartidningen.se/

National Board of Health and Welfare - National guidelines for adult dental care (section on caries and fluoride)
https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/regler-och-riktlinjer/riktlinjer/vuxentandvard/

World Health Organization (WHO) - Oral health
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay

1177 Vårdguiden - Cavities in the teeth (caries)
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tander/hal-i-tanderna--karies/:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

1177 Vårdguiden - Fluoride treatment
https://www.1177.se/undersokning-behandling/tandvard/fluoridbehandling/:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

WHO - Oral health
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

WHO - Sugars and dental caries
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

1177 Vårdguiden - Good food and drink for your teeth

Advice on dietary habits that promote good dental health and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
https://www.1177.se/liv--halsa/tandhalsa/bra-mat-och-dryck-for-tanderna/:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}