Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
In order for tooth decay to develop, there needs to be acid producing bacteria festering inside the mouth, along with food remains for the bacteria to feed on. Teeth that are susceptible to decay will have little to no fluoride on the enamel to fight the plaque.
The theory of the presence of fluoride is that it destroys the decay on contact, although there’s some debate to this.
It’s also believed that the fluoride can’t do much, once the decay has started to eat away at the enamel.
Having poor hygiene habits allows the plaque and tartar to build up around teeth, and will speed up the process of tooth decay.
Although your mouth constantly has plenty of bacteria that’s always present, there’s one type of bacteria that will generate the acid which results in tooth decay.
There are some who has what’s known as “active” decay, that’s always present in the mouth.
Parents with this active decay can easily pass it on to their child or loved one, through eating, drinking from the same glass, or even kissing.
The Persistence Of Gum Disease
If the decay initially settles in the tooth’s enamel, the progress of it spreading is extremely slow.
Once it eventually makes its way through to the second layer of enamel, it will spread faster as it makes its way towards the “pulp.”
The pulp is a key area of the center of the tooth, as it contains the nerves and blood supply.
This is where the pain, that throbbing electrical shock that feels the most intense, as the decay starts to eat at the nerves of the tooth.
The Decay Can Take Time
Although the actual tooth decay can take 2 – 3 years to get through the enamel, it can make it from the dentine to the pulp in less than a year.
Once it makes it to the dentine, the decay can destroy most of the tooth structure in a matter of months or even weeks.
The most preventable type of tooth decay, known as smooth decay, also spreads the slowest.
It starts out as a white spot on the tooth, where the bacteria begins to dissolve the enamel. Smooth decay is common with those who are 20 to 30 years of age.
Pit Or Fissure Tooth Decay
Pit or fissure decay is a bit more serious form of tooth decay, which forms along the narrow grooves of the chewing side of the molars.
It progresses more rapidly, and can eat your teeth enamel a lot faster than smooth decay.
Due to the grooves being so narrow, it can be difficult to clean this form of decay with regular brushing.
Although you may brush on a regular basis, this type of decay is hard to prevent without going to the dentist for your regular checkup and cleaning.
Then There’s Root Decay
The last type of tooth decay, known as root decay, begins on the surface of the root. Root decay is more common with middle aged individuals.
It is normally the result of a constantly dry mouth, stagnant sugar residing on the tooth, or not taking care of your teeth by constantly brushing.
Root decay is the most difficult to prevent, and the most serious type of tooth decay to deal with.
It can eat at the tooth enamel quickly, leaving you no choice but to get the affected teeth removed because of a painful cavity.
The Issues With Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is no laughing or smiling matter, and should always be treated before it has time to spread and affect more of your teeth.
If you visit your dentist for your regular checkups and cleaning, you can normally prevent it from starting.
You should always brush and floss on a daily basis, and use brand name mouthwash to kill off the existing bacteria.
Bacteria is always a constant and present in your mouth, so getting rid of it after meals becomes mandatory to prevent mouth disease.
If you take care of your teeth using preventative maintenance measures and follow the advice of your dentist, you can normally prevent tooth decay before it has a chance to eat at your teeth enamel.