WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY

 

Tooth decay is a slow process where an acidic environment is created in the mouth that causes erosion of the enamel and cause damage to the tooth structures. Tooth decay or Cavities are the tiny openings or holes that are formed due to bacteria that cause tooth decay. 

This bacteria develops as a result of frequent snacking, eating sugary food, and not maintaining proper oral hygiene. The cavities if left untreated can lead to bigger problems that can affect the inner tissues and bones. This can cause toothache, infection, and tooth loss in the future.

SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY

Depending on the location, there can be different symptoms of cavities. When the cavities grow, it causes

• Toothache, instant pain, or pain without any cause

• Tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold food items

• Development of visible pits or holes

• Tooth staining 

• Feeling of pain while you eat food.

HOW IS TOOTH DECAY CAUSED

Cavities do not develop in a day. It takes sufficient time for the tooth to suffer from decay and results in:

Formation of Plaque- it is a yellow film that is coated on your tooth. When teeth are not cleaned after eating lots of sugary and starchy food items, it leads to the formation of plaque. If plaque remains on the surface of the tooth for a long time, it forms tartar which is very difficult to remove.

Attacks from Plaque - Plaque contains acids that erode the enamel causing enamel decay. The layer next to the enamel is called Dentin which if attacked by acids of plaque can lead to tooth sensitivity. 

Poor oral hygiene - If a person does not follow a daily routine of brushing the teeth twice a day, his teeth can get affected by the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Formation of acids- You may think that pH change can be a cause of tooth decay. The answer is yes. Consuming more soft drinks can promote the formation of acid which destroys the enamel and lead to the formation of dental caries.

If the tooth decay is left untreated, the bacteria and acid will go deeper into the inner layers that cause the swelling of the pulp. There is irritation in the gums that cause discomfort in carrying the daily functions of the tooth.

The causes of tooth cavity are more if you:

• Have weak enamel

• Have dry mouth

• Poor oral hygiene

• Eating disorders

• Acid reflux

RESULTS OF TOOTH DECAY

The dental doctors believe that if you do not get proper treatment for the cavities at the initial stages, it can cause:

• Tooth pain

• Infection

• Loss of teeth

• Tooth Sensitivity

• Swollen gums due to tooth decay

• Unpleasant smell from the mouth

TREATMENT

You can avoid cavities if you maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid excessive sugary items. Refrain from taking colas, beverages, and other acidic food items. If you develop a cavity in your mouth, you should see your dentist immediately to avoid further problems.