A chronic, progressive, largely preventable disease also known as dental decay. Caries is caused by a species of mutans streptococci bacteria that inhabit the biofilm or plaque coating the teeth. The bacteria ferment sugars and other carbohydrates, forming acids that slowly dissolve the tooth enamel. If unchecked in the enamel, the decay can go on to penetrate deeper into the tooth, when reaching the pulp, causing toothache. An untreated pulp infection can lead to abscess, bone destruction and the spread of the infection by way of the blood stream.
