Caries - causes, stages & effective preventive measures
Caries is a progressive loss of tooth structure due to bacterial acids. An overview of the causes, stages and effective therapies - including natural prevention with lactoferrin.
Things worth knowing about "Caries"
Caries is one of the most common dental diseases worldwide and is caused by the interaction of bacteria, sugar, inadequate oral hygiene and time.
Caries describes the progressive degradation of the tooth structure (enamel, dentine) due to acids formed by caries bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans from sugar and carbohydrates.b>caries bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans from sugar and carbohydrates. These acids demineralise the tooth enamel and lead to damage which - if left untreated - can extend into the pulp.
The process is divided into different stages:
- Initial caries (white spots on the enamel)
- Enamel caries (visible defects, without pain)
- Dental caries (spreading into the dentin, often painful)
- Pulp caries (reaching the pulp, severe pain and risk of inflammation)
If detected early, caries can be stopped or reversed through remineralisation with fluorides, a tooth-friendly diet, improved oral hygiene and regular professional tooth cleaning. In advanced cases, filling therapy, root canal treatment or a dental crown may be necessary. People with high sugar consumption, reduced saliva production (e.g. due to xerostomia), fixed braces or inadequate brushing technique are particularly at risk.
In addition to fluorides, modern prevention also includes hydroxyapatite toothpastes, a low-sugar diet, xylitol chewing gums, sealing of fissures in children and probiotic concepts for microbiome regulation. Natural substances such as lactoferrin are also being investigated, as they have an antibacterial effect against caries pathogens, stabilise the oral flora and can support mineralisation.
Important characteristics of caries:
- Cause: bacteria + sugar + time + insufficient care
- Stages: from initial caries to deep tooth damage
- Symptoms: white spots, brown pits, pain, temperature sensitivity
- Therapy: fluoride, tooth hygiene, filling, root treatment if progression
- Prevention: eat a low-sugar diet, brush regularly, lactoferrin and probiotics
Literature references
- Featherstone, J. D. B. (2000). ""The science and practice of caries prevention."" Journal of the American Dental Association.
- Selwitz, R. H. et al. (2007). ""Dental caries."" The Lancet.
- Ten Cate, J. M. (1999). ""Remineralisation of caries lesions extending into dentin."" Journal of Dental Research.
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