Tooth Decay
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Tooth Decay
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Tooth decay (cavities, also known as dental caries) is a significant health care problem in the world today. Tooth decay is caused by microscopic bacteria that we have in our mouths. An individual could have over 100 types of bacteria in his mouth at one time. A very thin film of material coats our teeth and allows bacteria to attach to them. Once they attach to our teeth, bacteria tend to grow and multiply very rapidly. This is because the wet and warm environment of the mouth is a very favorable setting for bacterial growth. Bacteria consume food debris left in our mouths and then excrete their acidic waste products onto our teeth. This leads to the destruction of tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, which is the outermost layer of tooth structure of the top, or crown, of a tooth. If the bacteria and food debris are not removed well, and often, enough, then the acid from the bacteria can continue to eat away at the surface of our teeth, causing a hole (cavity) in the tooth surface. This tooth decay can progress to the middle layer of the tooth structure (known as dentin). If the dentin is affected, pain and sensitivity often result. The affected tooth structure often becomes soft and darker in color. If left untreated, tooth decay can reach the middle of the tooth (the pulp) where its nerves and blood vessels are located. At this stage of decay, pain is common and may be quite intense. With treatment, it may still be possible to save such a tooth, but the process of doing so may take several visits and become more expensive. Fortunately, tooth decay can be prevented from occurring in the first place with good oral hygiene practices at home and regular dental visits. The cleaner we get (and stay), the fewer dental problems (including both tooth decay and gum disease) we will tend to have. Please click HERE to lean more about tooth decay.
Progression of tooth decay
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