Tooth decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids. Over time, these acids can make a cavity in the tooth. On one team are dental plaque—sticky, colorless film of bacteria—plus foods and drinks that contain sugar or starch such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, and many others.
Whenever we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's hard outer surface, or enamel. On the other team are the minerals in our saliva such as calcium and phosphate plus fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources. This team helps enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an "acid attack. Our teeth go through this natural process of losing minerals and regaining minerals all day long.
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently -- for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches -- the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost.
This is a sign of early decay. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost.
Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling. Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful, including the ones that play a role in tooth decay. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque.
The bacteria in plaque use the sugar and starch in what you eat and drink to make acids. The acids begin to eat away at the minerals on your enamel. Over time, the plaque can harden into tartar. Besides damaging your teeth, plaque and tartar can also irritate your gums and cause gum disease.
You get fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources. This fluoride, along with your salvia, helps the enamel repair itself by replacing the minerals. Your teeth go through this natural process of losing minerals and regaining minerals all day long. This leads to tooth decay. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is an early sign of tooth decay.
You may be able to stop or reverse the decay at this point. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is a hole in your tooth. It is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling. The main risk factors for tooth decay are not taking care of your teeth and having too many sugary or starchy foods and drinks. Dentists usually find tooth decay and cavities by looking at your teeth and probing them with dental instruments.
Your dentist will also ask if you have any symptoms. Sometimes you may need a dental x-ray. There are several treatments for tooth decay and cavities.
Which treatment you get depends on how bad the problem is:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities , or dental caries, can form.
Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist. Dentin is the tissue that lies under the enamel. Because of this, tooth decay proceeds at a faster rate when it reaches the dentin.
Dentin also contains tubes that lead to the nerves of the tooth. Because of this, when dentin is affected by tooth decay, you may begin experiencing sensitivity. You may notice this particularly when having hot or cold foods or drinks. The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels that help to keep the tooth healthy. The nerves present in the pulp also provide sensation to the tooth. When damage to the pulp happens, it may become irritated and start to swell.
This can lead to pain. As tooth decay advances into the pulp, bacteria can invade and cause an infection. Increased inflammation in the tooth can lead to a pocket of pus forming at the bottom of your tooth, called an abscess.
Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain that may radiate into the jaw. Other symptoms that may be present include swelling of the gums, face or jaw , fever , and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. A tooth abscess requires prompt treatment, as the infection can spread into the bones of your jaw as well as other areas of your head and neck.
In some cases, treatment may involve removing the affected tooth. The images below illustrate the different stages of tooth decay. This earliest stage of tooth decay can actually be reversed before more permanent damage occurs. This can be achieved by treating the teeth with fluoride. Fluoride works to strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria.
Fluoride can also be found in some types of toothpastes and is often present in tap water. About 74 percent of Americans that get their tap water from a community water system receive fluorinated water.
When tooth decay enters this stage, cavities are often present. Fillings are used to treat cavities. When giving a filling, your dentist will first use a tool to clear away any areas of decay.
This material is typically the same color as your tooth. Because dentin is softer than the enamel, decay moves at a faster rate when it reaches this stage. If identified early, dentin decay may be treated with a filling. In more advanced cases, placement of a crown may be required.
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