K02: Dental caries

Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, is a group of conditions that affects the structure of teeth due to the destruction of their enamel. These conditions typically originate from a diet high in sugars or starch and poor dental hygiene, which allow bacteria in the mouth to convert these foods into acids. These acids then form a sticky deposit on the teeth known as plaque. This plaque slowly dissolves the tooth's enamel and dentin, creating cavities. Symptoms of dental caries may range from tooth sensitivity to temperature changes to sharp pain when biting down. If left untreated, the decay can advance towards the inner parts of the tooth, leading to severe toothache, infection, and potential tooth loss. Dental caries impacts the oral health system but can also influence overall wellbeing, as oral health plays a significant role in general health.