The initial stage of caries often develops without symptoms, which is why the person affected usually does not notice it. Only when the first pains appear, the patient visits the dentist. In this case, however, the tooth is usually irreversibly damaged.
In general, the carious lesion is difficult to detect visually, as it can vary greatly in color, shape and size. Caries can be yellowish, light brownish or even black, and the entry point of the disease can be so small that it is hardly noticeable to the naked eye. One of the most important criteria for the presence of caries for the dentist is the softened, mushy appearing hard tooth substance, which is clearly different from healthy hard enamel.
This could also be interesting for you: Symptoms of cariesFor carious changes under a filling, crown or in the interdental space, it is impossible for the person affected to detect them themselves. The dentist also needs aids for this, such as a probe or x-rays. Therefore, it is always advisable to visit the dentist as soon as possible in case of color changes or pain in the teeth in order to diagnose and treat caries or to rule out a disease.
Can you detect caries at home?
Due to the different dimensions and the variety of colors that a caries lesion can take on, it is difficult for a layperson to recognize it, so that it is often only when there is pain that one notices that something is wrong. The patient himself should actively and regularly look into his mouth while brushing his teeth to detect changes as soon as possible. However, this can only be done to a limited extent, since there is usually not good lighting conditions and the teeth are always moist due to the flow of saliva.
In fact, the dentist always assesses the teeth in a saliva-free dry state in order to detect color and structural changes in the teeth. Furthermore, a change in color does not necessarily mean caries. Black discolorations, especially in the depth of fissures, are most inactive forms of caries, which are only treated by regular fluoridation and show no tendency to spread.
Even when eating berries or drinking tea, coffee and cola or red wine, discolorations can quickly appear, which can be mistaken for caries. If these discolorations affect many or even all teeth, it can usually be assumed that it is not caries. However, in order for the patient to be sure, if a suspicious diagnosis is made, he or she should consult the dentist, who can confirm or refute it. A regular check once or twice a year is therefore sensible and recommended.
