For dental caries to develop, there must be acid-producing bacteria around the tooth, as well as food for the bacteria to feed on. Teeth that are prone to decay may or may not have fluoride in their enamel to fight plaque. Fluoride can destroy caries, but it does not make it bigger once the decayed teeth have been removed.
Poor hygiene habits allow plaque and tartar to form around the teeth and speed up the decay process. Although there are a lot of bacteria that are always in your mouth, only one type produces acid, which can lead to tooth decay. Some people have active caries, which is always in their mouth. Parents with active caries can easily transmit caries to a child or loved one by eating, drinking from the same glass or kissing.
Once the decay has settled on the tooth enamel, it progresses very slowly. Once it is made through the second layer of enamel, it spreads rapidly as it travels towards the pulp. Pulp is an important area of the tooth because it contains nerves and blood supply. This is where the pain is most intense, as the decay begins to eat away at the nerves.
It can take 2 to 3 years for the enamel to decompose, but within a year the pulp will be made from dentin. Once it reaches the dentin, caries can destroy most of the tooth structure in a few weeks or months. Even the most preventable type of tooth decay, called smooth caries, grows slowly. It begins as a white spot on the tooth, where bacteria dissolve the enamel. Smooth caries is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 30.
The decay of a pit or fissure is somewhat severe, occurring with narrow, long grooves in the chewing part of the molars. It grows more quickly and can eat away at your teeth much faster than soft decay. Because the long grooves are so narrow, it is difficult to clean them with a regular scrub. Even if you can brush regularly, it can be difficult to prevent this type of caries without going to the dentist for your regular check-ups and cleaning.
The last type of decay, called root decay, begins on the surface of the root. Root decay is common in middle-aged people. It is usually caused by dry mouth, high sugar or carelessness of your teeth. Root caries is the hardest to prevent and the most serious type of dental caries. It eats away at the teeth, leaving you with no choice but to remove the affected teeth.
Tooth decay is not a laughing matter, and should always be treated before it spreads further and affects your teeth. If you go to your dentist for your regular check-ups and cleaning, you can usually prevent it from starting. You should always brush daily and use a mouthwash such as Scope or Listerine for **** bacteria. Bacteria are always present in your mouth, however you can use them to suppress mouthwash. If you take care of your teeth and follow the advice of your dentist, you can usually prevent tooth decay before you have a chance to eat your teeth...
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