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Interdental Caries

Did you know that 80% of tooth decay begins in the interdental area?

Did you know that 80% of tooth decay begins in the interdental area?

Caries is a multifactorial disease of bacterial origin that causes destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth.

There are 4 main factors involved in caries formation:

  • Host: factors including saliva (which protects teeth by balancing pH, regulates bacteria in the mouth, promotes remineralisation) or morphology of teeth and interproximal spaces.
  • Time: the longer carbohydrate and biofilm residue is left in the mouth, the greater the damage bacteria will cause.
  • Microorganisms: bacteria are responsible for producing acids (resulting from the fermentation of sugars) which demineralise hard tooth tissues. Poor oral hygiene allows these to accumulate.
  • Substrate: carbohydrates. Bacteria use carbohydrates and produce acids which demineralise enamel.

Nearly 80% of all caries are of interdental origin, as, often times, interproximal hygiene is not performed, allowing biofilm that builds up in this area to damage tooth enamel.

This mainly occurs below the point of contact between teeth in children, adolescents and young adults. In addition, caries is the leading cause of tooth loss in children, adolescents and young adults.

Did you know that 80% of tooth decay begins in the interdental area?