| Bacteria are always present in the mouth. A thin film of bacteria called plaque sticks to the teeth
and when food particles are left on the teeth, especially sweet foods, bacteria turn them into acid and this
acid bores a hole in the Enamel, then into the Dentine and finally into the pulp. |
| This can be very painful. When the decay reaches the roots, the
teeth may have to be pulled out. |
| What is Tooth Decay |
| Tooth decay (also known as dental decay and dental caries) results from a bacterial infection of your teeth. |
| Your mouth is full of millions of tiny Bacteria ("Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the
body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.")
|
| When you consume food and drink that are high in carbohydrates - typically sugary or starchy
foods or drinks - the bacteria breaks the carbohydrates down into acid. |
| The acid then combines with the bacteria, the saliva in your mouth, and small particles of food to produce a
sticky film known as plaque.
|
| Over time the plaque begins to break down the surface of your tooth. |
| Left untreated the plaque can completely destroy the outside of the tooth, exposing the nerves
inside. |
| Once this happens you will experience the troublesome Pain ( "Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional
feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.")
|
| How common is tooth decay? |
| Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health problems |
| 55% of adults have one or more decayed or unsound teeth. |
| Tooth decay is also a problem for children. |
| It is estimated that between 52% and 77% children aged 8 to 15 years have some obvious tooth decay
in their permanent teeth. |
| Who gets cavities |
| |
We are all at risk because of the bacteria in our mouths. But people who
- eat diets high in sugar
- drink unfluoridated water
- have dry mouths
- take different medications
- who have a lot of fillings and
- who don't brush often
are more at risk for cavities. |
| However, children and senior citizens are the highest risk group for cavities
|
| Decay that is unique to adults are: |
| Root cavities-As you age, your gums can recede, leaving parts of your tooth root exposed. |
| Since there is no enamel covering your tooth roots, these exposed areas easily decay. Most people over
60 have root cavities as a result of gum disease |
| Repeated decay around existing fillings-Decay can form around existing fillings. This is because these areas
are not as smooth as a natural tooth surface and can decay easier.
|
| Cavities from dry mouth is a present due to a decrease in saliva. dry mouth is a present due to a decrease
in saliva
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| Prevention is better than cure |
| As well as being one of the most widespread health conditions, tooth decay is also one of the most easily
preventable ones. |
| Limiting your consumption of sugar and starchy foods, as well as sugary drinks and brushing your teeth with
fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day should prevent tooth decay.
|
| There are a number of techniques that can help repair damaged teeth, such as fillings, and crowns. |
| In more advanced cases of tooth decay, the tooth may need to be
removed. |
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