For tooth decay to develop, there must be acid-producing bacteria around that tooth, as well as food for the bacteria to feed on. Teeth that are prone to decay will have little or no fluoride in their enamel to fight plaque. Fluoride can destroy caries, although it won't do much once decayed teeth are ingested.
Poor hygiene habits will allow plaque and tartar to build up around the teeth and accelerate the process of decay. Even though you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth that are always present, only one type produces acid that results in tooth decay. Some people have active caries that is always present in their mouth. A parent with active caries can easily pass caries to a child or loved one through eating, drinking from the same glass, or even kissing.
Once decay settles in the tooth enamel, it will progress very slowly. Once it has made it through the second layer of enamel, it will spread rapidly as it travels towards the pulp. The pulp is an important area of the tooth, as it contains nerves and blood supply. This is where the pain will be most intense, as the decay will begin to eat away at the nerves.
Although it can take 2 to 3 years for the enamel to decompose, it can make it from dentin to pulp in less than a year. Once it reaches the dentin, decay can destroy most of the tooth structure in a matter of weeks or months. The most preventable type of tooth decay, known as smooth caries, is also the slowest to grow. It begins as a white spot in the tooth, where the bacteria dissolve the enamel. Smooth caries is very common with people between the ages of 20 and 30.
A pit or fissure caries is slightly more severe, forming with narrow grooves in the chewing portion of the molars. It grows more quickly, and can eat away at your teeth much faster than smooth decay. Because the grooves are so narrow, they can be difficult to clean with a regular scrub. Even though you can brush regularly, this type of caries is difficult to prevent without visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
The last type of caries, known as root decay, begins on the surface of the root. Root caries is common with middle-aged individuals. This is usually the result of dry mouth, too much sugar, or not taking care of your teeth. Root caries is the hardest to prevent, and the most serious type of tooth decay. This can rapidly eat away at the teeth, leaving you with no option but to remove the affected teeth.
Tooth decay is no laughing matter, and it should always be treated before it has time to spread further and affect your teeth. If you go to your dentist for your regular check-ups and cleanings, you can normally prevent it from starting. You should always brush on a daily basis, and use a mouthwash like Scope or Listerine for **** bacteria. Bacteria are always present in your mouth, although you can use mouthwash to smother it. If you take care of your teeth and follow your dentist's advice, you can usually prevent tooth decay before the teeth have a chance to eat.
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