What Causes Tooth Decay
Cavities or tooth decay are permanently damaged areas of the tooth enamel that develop into small holes or openings. Amongst the most common health problems, tooth decay and cavities are particularly common in children, teens, and elderly adults. Left untreated, cavities can get bigger while affecting deeper layers of the tooth and severe discomfort, infection, and eventual tooth loss are possible.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
- Plaque formation: Dental plaque is a sticky, clear film that binds to the teeth. It forms from eating an overly starchy or sugary diet. Bacteria quickly begin feeding on the starches and sugar to form plaque that if not properly cleaned from the teeth, begins to harden above or below the gum line into tartar. Plaque is more difficult to clean once tartar forms as it creates a barrier for bacteria.
- Plaque attacks enamel: Acids in the plaque wear away the outer tooth enamel creating small holes or openings – the initial stage of cavity formation. Once the enamel is eaten away, acid and bacteria proceed to damage the next tooth layer, known as dentin. Softer than tooth enamel, dentin is less resistant to acids.
- Ongoing damage: As tooth decay continues, the acid and bacteria move to the inner tooth material (pulp) containing blood vessels and nerves. The bacteria then cause the pulp to become irritated and swollen. Since there is no place for the swelling to expand within the tooth, the nerve becomes compressed leading to discomfort that can extend to the bone.
Other Risk Factors
- Tooth location: Because of the structure of grooves, crannies, and pits, tooth decay occurs most often in the back teeth (premolars and molars). These areas can be more difficult to reach and properly clean resulting in an increased risk for developing tooth decay.
- Some drinks and food: Some foods tend to stick to the teeth and are likelier to cause tooth decay than foods that can be easily cleared away with saliva. Sugar, soda, milk, ice cream, honey, dried fruit, cake, cookies, and candy, can all stick to the teeth leading to decay.
- Frequent snacking: Every time a person snacks or drinks sugary drinks, bacteria in the mouth are fueled to produce tooth attacking acid. By eating and drinking frequently throughout the day, these bacteria have a steady stream of fuel to contribute to tooth decay.
- Infant feeding at bedtime: Babies that are given bottles of formula, milk, juice, or other sugary liquids before bedtime, are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay. These beverages remain on the teeth while the baby sleeps giving the bacteria hours to work.
- Insufficient brushing: Teeth should be cleaned shortly after drinking or eating as plaque can quickly form and signal the initial stages of tooth decay.
- Inadequate fluoride: A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride prevents against cavities and can reverse early tooth decay damage. Fluoride is often added to public water supplies and is commonly found in toothpastes and mouth rinses.
- Age: Cavities are most common in young children, teens, and elderly adults. As we age, teeth can be worn down and gums could recede. This makes the teeth more susceptible to root decay.
- Dry mouth: Because saliva helps wash away food particles and plaque, inadequate saliva or a dry mouth can increase the risk of developing cavities.
More on Tooth Decay : Symptoms of Tooth Decay