Further causes for the development of caries

There are, however, other causes for the development of carious defects. One should keep in mind that proper salivation is essential for a healthy oral cavity and intact teeth. Lack of salivation and dry mouth increase the risk of caries enormously.

If a patient suffers from a malignant tumor of the head or neck area, he will usually have to undergo radiotherapy. During this radiation therapy, so-called ionizing rays are used, which damage the genetic material (DNA) of the tumor cells. However, the radiation is naturally unable to differentiate between the cells of the malignant tumor and the healthy tissue cells.

In the course of this cancer treatment, intact cells are damaged, for example those of the salivary glands, resulting in reduced saliva production (radiogenic xerostomia). The lack of saliva production in turn promotes caries (radiogenic caries, Latin: Caries radiatio). Furthermore, many experts talk about a genetic predisposition to develop caries diseases.

The basic cause for the development of caries is a lack of oral hygiene. Caries-promoting bacteria accumulate in the so-called plaque on the teeth. With extensive oral hygiene, these plaque can be brushed away.

However, if this precipitates, more and more bacteria can accumulate and lead to caries in the affected areas. This happens preferably in places that are difficult to clean. These include interdental spaces, pits or fissures of the teeth.

For this reason, the use of dental floss and/or interdental brushes in addition to regular tooth brushing is very important. A diet high in sugar plays a decisive role in the development of caries. The bacteria that can accumulate in a so-called plaque on the teeth due to a lack of oral hygiene convert the sugar in the food into acids.

These acids then attack the tooth enamel and dissolve the minerals. The longer the acids can act, the more the enamel is damaged.The critical pH value for this is in the range of 5.2 – 5.7. The saliva now has the task of neutralizing the acids within 30 – 60 min. The more often sugary food is consumed, the higher is the risk of caries formation