![did-you-know.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPgNadxjKqAGLJorF9DM1sMfLT9iYFvY5QQSkhEocgC23/did-you-know.jpg) Hello friends of Steemit, I have decided to make some educational posts related to the career I perform, Dentistry, and well one of the diseases that most affects the area of teeth, is the DENTAL CARIES, but what is it? I'll talk about that today ... ![39b9302914f8e5a46c0fa76a32cc7546_caries-dental-697-c.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUafjuoAUy3g3mQYsaZX6PBDfserEc3Ndm7zsN7oaCbKk/39b9302914f8e5a46c0fa76a32cc7546_caries-dental-697-c.jpg) >/a>http://www.clinicalosvalles.es/fases-y-causas-de-la-caries-dental-con-endodoncia-y-fundas-coronas/< Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth enamel, the external hard layer of the teeth. It can be a problem for children, teenagers and adults. Bacteria are normally found in the mouth. These bacteria convert food, especially sugars and starches, into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque (it constantly forms on teeth). When foods that contain sugars are eaten or drank, bacteria in the plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. The great adherence of the plate keeps these acids in contact with the teeth and, over time, the enamel can decompose, form holes in the teeth ... that's what we call Tooth decay. ![Esquema-caries-dentales (1).png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdeCmPUeULqy6noZomuQ2uJtDHRV5gd7waEqkkK32SkpY/Esquema-caries-dentales%20(1).png) >https://www.yany.cl/7-tips-no-caries/esquema-caries-dentales/< Cavities do not usually hurt, unless they become very large and affect the pulp (gives vitality to the tooth) or cause a fracture. Without treatment, they can lead to major complications such as a dental abscess, and if not treated can lead to tooth extraction. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods, as they remain on the teeth. ![cepillado-de-dientes.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmayYnxuZAp3TDGMAWD7R5u9dHFQshgyzXiWwMmWo6Fr78/cepillado-de-dientes.jpg) >http://www.alaiadental.com/2016/10/19/cepillado-dental-y-caries/<

Prevention

- Have good oral hygiene, if you have a long time without attending the dentist, that is the first step, do the dental cleaning (every 6 months), and then brush correctly. You can see my other post, I'll explain you step by step. https://steemit.com/health/@teregogfrey/how-should-i-brush-the-teeth - Floss at least once a day - X-rays can be taken every year to detect possible development of caries in areas of high risk in the mouth. - Avoid the consumption of drinks or foods with a lot of sugar - Brush your teeth after every meal - Dental sealants can prevent some cavities. They are films of material similar to plastic that are applied on the chewing surfaces of the molar teeth, which prevent the accumulation of plaque in the deep grooves of these surfaces. Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth shortly after the eruption of the molars. Older people can also benefit from the use of dental sealants. - Use dental creams with fluoride. - Periodically visit the dentist. (spanish) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J407UFrSy7E If you like to read and want to know more about the subject I invite you to review the following article. (Spanish) >http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?pid=S1729-519X2010000200004&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en< I hope it has served you, if you want to know more related to oral health I invite you to follow me @teregogfrey. Kisses.