What causes tooth decay?

Poor oral hygiene is not the only reason a patient may develop tooth decay but it does add to the risk! Tooth decay begins to develop as when bad bacteria, naturally present in the mouth, is allowed to sit on the teeth and turn into a film that then turns into sticky plaque. Plaque takes in the carbohydrates from the foods we eat to grow and create an enamel eroding acid. As this acid works away at tooth enamel, the outer surface weakens and the decay can get inside the tooth and cause a cavity.

If plaque is not regularly brushed away, it hardens into tartar and can lead to periodontal disease, abscess, jaw bone deterioration, and even tooth loss. Plaque and bacteria penetrate the enamel and work through the dentin and eventually can cause a lot of pain when it reaches the pulp of the tooth which is the tissue that houses the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected, root canal treatment is usually required to clear out the infection and get the patient out of pain.

What are other risk factors for developing decay?

There are a number of factors that contribute to tooth decay. Genetics play a key role as well as:

• Poor oral hygiene: Maintaining regular maintenance visits with your dental office can help clear away any plaque and bacteria that you miss flossing and brushing at least twice a day on your own. Good hygiene is key to fighting plaque buildup.
• Diet: Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates as well as dairy products tend to cling to the teeth and cause decay because they are not easily washed away by saliva.
• Dry mouth: Medical conditions and certain medications can cause a decrease in saliva production. Saliva carries minerals to our teeth and helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can easily lead to a buildup of plaque causing bacteria.
• Tooth location: The molars at the back of the mouth have a surface just for chewing called the occlusal. This surface is covered with grooves and fissures to aid in mastication and get the digestive process started but they can collect food particles, allowing plaque bacteria to build up. A lot of patients also have a hard time brushing and flossing their molars properly. Front teeth are much easier to reach and usually are not quick to develop decay.
• Old dental restorations: Old restorations such as crowns and amalgam fillings can become ill-fitting and can allow bacteria to get between the crown or filling and the tooth and cause decay.
• GERD and  eating disorders: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and eating disorders like bulimia cause significant erosion and decay. Repeated purging washes acid over the teeth and begins to dissolve in the enamel and medical conditions like heartburn and GERD cause stomach acid to back up into your mouth.

More on Tooth Decay : What is Tooth Decay?