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Dental Caries Tooth Decay

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is a common dental condition that can affect the health of your teeth. In this article, we will cover the essential aspects of dental caries, including its causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
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What is dental caries?

Dental caries is a progressive condition in which the enamel of the teeth is attacked by acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. It usually starts with small, invisible spots on the surface of the enamel but can gradually progress to deeper tissues, such as dentin.

Difference between enamel and dentin caries:

Enamel caries begins on the outer protective layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. This form of caries may not always require treatment since the enamel can self-repair through good oral hygiene and the use of fluoride for tooth protection. Dentine caries occurs when the caries process further develops and affects the underlying dentin, which is more sensitive and can lead to pain and sensitivity. This form of caries, however, needs to be treated.

Causes of dental caries:

Dental caries develops due to a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth, a diet high in sugar, and poor oral hygiene. Bacteria in dental plaque feed on sugars and produce acids as byproducts. These acids can attack the tooth enamel and cause caries.
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Diagnosis of dental caries:

Dentists can diagnose dental caries through visual inspection, the use of probing instruments, and X-rays. Early-stage caries can sometimes be difficult to detect without X-rays, which is why regular dental visits are important for early detection.

Rate of caries progression:

The speed at which caries progresses varies from person to person. Factors such as oral hygiene, diet, genetics, and individual saliva composition all play a role in the progression of caries. Regular dental check-ups can help assess the progress of caries.

Individual susceptibility to dental caries:

Some people are more susceptible to dental caries than others. Factors such as saliva composition, tooth shape and structure, the presence of naturally occurring protective substances in saliva, and individual oral hygiene practices can influence susceptibility to caries.

Prevention of dental caries:

Preventing dental caries starts with good oral hygiene, including regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Additionally, reducing the consumption of sugary foods and drinks and considering the use of fluoride treatments or dental care products containing fluoride can be beneficial.

Risk factors for dental caries:

Some significant risk factors for dental caries include a high-sugar diet, frequent snacking or nibbling between meals, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, poorly formed teeth, and dental equipment that is difficult to clean.

Treatment of dental caries:

The treatment of dental caries can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment involves removing the affected tooth tissue and filling the cavity with dental fillings. In advanced cases, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be necessary.

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You are warmly welcome as a new patient. Our goal is to keep your smile bright and healthy for a lifetime. We achieve this through a combination of high-quality dentistry and a personalized approach.

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Emergency

If you have an emergency, please contact us immediately during our regular business hours. You can reach us at +31 20 6139501 or WhatsApp us on +31 653558537 to schedule an appointment. Outside of our business hours, please contact the nearest general emergency service.

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Appointment booking

To schedule an appointment, please call us on +31 20 613 9501. Should we not be reachable, you can WhatsApp us or send an e-mail with your contact details and date of birth. We will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule the appointment over the phone.

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Opening hours

Monday08.30 – 17.00 hour
Tuesday08.30 – 17.00 hour
Wednesday13.00 – 18.00 hour
Thursday13.00 – 18.00 hour
Friday08.30 – 17.00 hour
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Please sign up here as a new patient, and we will contact you as soon as possible.

During your intake, you will personally meet the dentist at our practice. During this initial visit, a comprehensive oral examination will be conducted, which often includes taking photographs of your teeth. Following the examination, you can discuss any specific desires or questions you may have directly with the dentist.