What Causes Tooth Decay?
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of the tooth that can develop into a tiny hole. If cavities are left untreated, they can get larger and lead to more severe damage to the tooth. Cavities are the result of progressive tooth decay caused by a combination of factors. Tooth decay is a dental problem that is very common in children, teenagers and older adults. So what causes tooth decay and how can it be avoided?
Causes of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a process that occurs over time and the main driver of the process is dental plaque. Dental plaque is a clear film that coats the teeth. Plaque develops from eating too many high-sugar and high-starch foods and not adequately brushing the teeth. If not removed, plaque on the teeth can harden under or above the gum line into tartar. Tartar is even harder to remove than plaque and creates a shield for more bacteria. The acids in the plaque attack the minerals in the enamel, or the tooth’s hard exterior. Over time, this erosion of minerals and enamel caused by tooth decay can cause tiny openings or the beginning of a cavity.
Risk Factors for Tooth Decay
Tooth decay happens to everyone. But there are risk factors that can increase the risk of tooth decay in some or all of the teeth.
- Tooth location: Decay is more common in the back of the mouth on the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have grooves that can collect food and trap bacteria. Back teeth are harder to keep clean than easy-to-reach front teeth.
- High-sugar High-starch foods: Certain high-sugar high-starch foods cling to your teeth more than others. Ice cream, honey, soda, dried fruit, cookies, and chips are all more likely to cause decay than foods that are washed away by saliva. When you snack on sugary foods or drinks, you create more mouth bacteria to produce acids that attack your teeth and cause decay.
- Inadequate brushing: If you don't regularly clean your teeth after eating and drinking, plaque can form and the first stages of decay can begin.
- Inadequate fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help prevent and even reverse tooth decay. Because of its protective benefits for teeth, fluoride is systematically added to public water supplies and is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses.
- Lack of saliva: Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by rinsing away food and plaque from the teeth. Saliva also contains good bacteria that helps to counteract acid produced by harmful bacteria. Some medications, medical conditions, or chemotherapy drugs can reduce natural saliva production increasing risk of tooth decay.
- Acid Reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to come back up into the mouth. This excess acid increases risk of tooth decay by wearing away the enamel of the teeth. Eating disorders that involve repeated vomiting also increase the acid in the mouth.
Fortunately, there are many good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent tooth decay. If you think you have signs of tooth decay or have not had a regular dental visit in a few years, it may be a good time to set up a visit to see your dentist.
More on Tooth Decay : What Is Tooth Decay?