Major Causes Of Tooth Decay Or Dental Cavities

tooth decay is the destruction of the enamel (outer surface) of a tooth

. Tooth decay is also known as dental cavities or dental caries. Decay is caused by bacteria that collect on tooth enamel. The bacteria live in a sticky, white film called plaque. Bacteria obtain their food from sugar and starch in a person's diet. When they eat those foods, the bacteria create an acid that attacks tooth enamel and causes decay.

Brushing the teeth regularly will help control the plaque that builds up around the teeth. This plaque can be considered as the breeding ground for bacteria, and a storage facility for more concentrated acids that can stay for hours. Lesser plaque means fewer bacteria that produce the acids, so lesser chances of tooth decay.

dental decay and gum disease is an infection, an invasion by pathogenic microorganisms of a bodily part in which the conditions are favorable for growth, production of toxins, and resulting injury to tissue. Pathogens of bacterial, protozoan, viral or fungal origin have been implicated as causal factors in periodontal disease. One strain in particular has been identified called Streptococcus mutans.

Tooth decay is the most common problem of the tooth. It is medically known as dental caries. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria which attack three parts of the teeth including the enamel, dentine (dentin), and cement (cementum) by converting glucose, fructose and sucrose into acids such as lactic acid through a process known as fermentation.

Tooth decay can be a major problem for people of any age. A small film of plaque constantly develops sticking to the teeth. This stickiness is what makes the acid so effective at attacking the enamel of the teeth. It keeps it in contact with the enamel. Gingivitis can occur, which is the early stage of gum disease, if the teeth aren't brushed regularly. It also makes brushing less effective and can even cause the gums to bleed when brushing.

The leading causes of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing often and improper brushing leads to poor oral hygiene. Not rinsing after meals, excessive intake of starch and sugary diet, smoking also contributes to tooth decay.

Contrary to dentists and large segment of population belief, that the main cause of tooth decay is bacteria in the mouth, tooth decay is result of modern society poor diet; processed food and modern farming. It is a problem related to nutritional value of food that we consume in general, to a depletion of soils of important minerals due to usage of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

In children, the treatment for tooth decay is quite simple and all that it takes is time for the tooth to heal as their teeth will fall in some time and grow again. In adults this can take longer to fix, because it can lead to infections and jeopardize their health in the process. This can have severe consequences for any person because the infections can affect them in more than one place.

by: paulbruce

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