Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

[[File:Dental Caries.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Dental caries]]

[[File:Dental Caries.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Dental caries]]

Caries = tooth decay. <font color="red">(pic E6)</font color>

Caries = tooth decay.  

Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the [[Enamel Organ#Enamel|enamel]] and [[Enamel Organ#Dentin|dentine]]. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentinal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation of the tooth. The occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are particularly prone to caries.

Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Enamel|enamel]] and [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Dentin|dentine]]. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentinal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation of the tooth. The occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are particularly prone to caries.

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease which requires all four of the following:

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease which requires all four of the following:

== Clinical Signs ==

== Clinical Signs ==

These include dysphagia, reluctance to eat, tooth pain and thermal sensitivity, excessive salivation, bad breath and pain on mastication. There may also be weight loss and the dog may appear generally depressed and lethargic.

These may include dysphagia, reluctance to eat, tooth pain and thermal sensitivity, excessive salivation, bad breath and pain on mastication. There may also be weight loss and the dog may appear generally depressed and lethargic.

== Diagnosis==

== Diagnosis==

'''Cavitated lesions''' may require restorative treatment, which may involve removal of diseased enamel and dentine and the placement of restorative material such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Extraction may be required if there is extensive loss of the tooth structure.  

'''Cavitated lesions''' may require restorative treatment, which may involve removal of diseased enamel and dentine and the placement of restorative material such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Extraction may be required if there is extensive loss of the tooth structure.  

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Teeth_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Dog]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:LisaM reviewing]]

[[Category:Teeth_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Dog]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:LisaM reviewing]]

[[Category:Endodontic Conditions]]

[[Category:Endodontic Conditions]]