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Dental caries is also called as dental decay or cavities in tooth. It occurs from acids produced by bacteria by metabolizing carbohydrates. Initially it appears as white spot lesion which converted into gross cavity if proper intervention is not provided. Dental caries can be diagnosed clinically by visual tactile method of examination. There are various diagnostic aids available for its diagnosis such as radiographic examination using OPG, IOPA, bitewing X-ray, dyes, advanced methods like Fiber-optic transillumination, Wavelength dependent FOTI, Digital imaging FOTI etc. There are various factors contribute for the occurrence of dental caries such as high oral bacterial counts, frequent consumption of sugar-containing foods, inadequate fluoride exposure, low socioeconomic status, xerostomia due to medications or disease and physical disabilities which causes impaired oral hygiene. This paper will discuss about etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of dental caries.
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