Dental caries also known as tooth decay is a prevalent dental disease that affects a large number of people irrespective of their age. It occurs when the calcified structure of the teeth are eroded by the acids that are produced by the microorganisms in the mouth. Knowing the factors that lead to tooth decay will also enable one to take precaution and have good oral health. This article aims at discussing the causes of tooth decay and the possible solutions to the causes.
1. Bacteria and Acid Production
The general cause of tooth decay is the bacteria that is found in the mouth. There are bacteria that utilize sugar and starches from the food we take and in the process they give out acid. These acids can break down the enamel which is the outer layer of the tooth and this results in formation of cavities.
Tartar is a build up of bacteria on the surface of the teeth and is sticky in nature. If not cleaned by regular brushing and flossing, it forms tartar, which is such hard material and cannot easily be cleaned.When bacteria in the mouth break down sugars they release acids which work to erode the enamel and lead to cavities.
2. Diet and Sugar Consumption
Diet is one of the factors that have been associated with tooth decay. Items that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates include candies, soda, and baked products and they help in the growth of bacteria that cause production of acids.
Grinding food all the time especially the sugary and starchy food will lead to high levels of acid in the mouth hence increasing the chances of tooth decay. Sodas, fruit juices and energy drinks are the worst because they contain large amounts of sugar and are also acidic, which erodes the enamel even more.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of tooth decay and other dental problems. Plaque forms on teeth and gums when one does not brush and floss his or her teeth regularly. Proper oral hygiene practices include:Proper oral hygiene practices include:
- Brushing: One should brush his/her teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste to clean the teeth surface from plaque and food remains.
- Flossing: The Best Dentist in Lahore recommends that one should floss their teeth on a daily basis since it helps in the removal of the food particles in between the teeth and the gums.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: All you need to do is visit your dentist for teeth cleaning and check-up to ensure that early detection of severe cases is done.
4. Dental Enamel Quality
The condition of your dental enamel is very important in the overall health of your teeth as it acts as a shield against cavities. Factors that can weaken enamel include:Factors that can weaken enamel include:
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Acidic foods and drinks including citrus fruits, vinegar and sodas also have the ability to weaken the enamel.
- Brushing Immediately After Eating: Acidic food and beverages can weaken enamel and if one brushes the teeth immediately after consuming them, they may cause damage to the enamel. It is said that one should not brush the teeth immediately after a meal and it is recommended to wait for at least 30 minutes.
5. Lack of Fluoride
Fluoride is a kind of mineral which is useful to make teeth more powerful and also helps in making tooth enamel more resistant to acids. If there is not enough fluoride in the body, it leads to tooth decay. Fluoride sources include:
- Fluoridated Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste for instance is helpful in the prevention of tooth decay.
- Community Water Fluoridation: Fluoride is a compound which many communities put in the public water supply in order to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay.
6. Saliva Production
Saliva has an important role in oral hygiene because it helps to counteract the acids and clean the mouth by removing food debris and bacteria. Factors that are likely to minimize the production of saliva include the use of some drugs, diseases or syndromes like Sjogren’s syndrome and this exposes the teeth to decay.
7. Dental Anatomy
Some physical attributes of the teeth, especially the occlusal surfaces of the molars that contain deep grooves and pits, can easily hold food particles and plaque and are thus prone to decay. It is possible to use the dental sealants to cover these susceptible areas therefore offering protection.
Conclusion
Dental caries is a complex disease that is caused by several factors including bacterial invasion, diet, Oral hygiene measures among others. Through this, one would be in a position to know the causes of tooth decay and how to prevent it through regular brushing and flossing of teeth, avoiding foods that are sweet and the use of fluoride among others. For any serious dental concerns visit a Best Dentist in Islamabad to get treated.
