Tooth decay is caused primarily by the interaction of bacteria in your mouth with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, leading to the production of acids that attack the tooth's surface (enamel). Here's a detailed explanation of the causes:
- Plaque formation: When you eat sugars and starches and do not clean your teeth well, bacteria feed on these sugars to form a sticky film called plaque on your teeth. This plaque can harden into tartar, which protects bacteria and makes it harder to clean your teeth.
- Acid attack: The bacteria in plaque produce acids that remove minerals from your tooth enamel, causing tiny holes or openings—this is the start of tooth decay. The acid can further penetrate to softer inner layers of the tooth (dentin), causing sensitivity.
- Progression: If untreated, decay reaches the tooth pulp with nerves and blood vessels, causing pain and infections. It may also spread to bone around the tooth.
- Frequent intake of sugars and starches: Eating or sipping sugary foods and drinks often gives bacteria more fuel to produce acids.
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque buildup and acid attacks on teeth.
- Dry mouth: A lack of saliva, which helps wash away food and neutralize acids, increases risk.
- Other factors: Wearing down of fillings or dental devices, acid reflux (GERD) causing stomach acid in mouth, and certain medical conditions or medications that reduce saliva can all contribute.
- Fluoride: Lack of sufficient fluoride (found in toothpaste and tap water) reduces teeth's ability to repair enamel.
Given these causes, tooth decay can be prevented by good oral hygiene, reducing sugary and starchy food intake, staying hydrated, and using fluoride- containing dental products.
