All About Tooth Decay

In order for tooth decay to be developed in a tooth, that tooth must have acid p
roducing bacteria around it, along with food for the bacteria to feed upon. Tee
th that are susceptible to decay will have little to no fluoride in the enamel t
o fight the plaque. Fluoride can destroy decay, although it wont be able to do m
uch once the decay has started to eat the teeth.
Poor hygiene habits will allow the plaque and tartar to build up around teeth an
d speed up the process of decay. Even though your mouth has a lot of bacteria t
hat is always present, only one type will generate the acid that results in toot
h decay. Some people have active decay that is always present in their mouths.
Parents with active decay can easily pass the decay on to a child or loved one
through eating, drinking from the same glass, or even kissing.
Once the decay has settled in the tooths enamel, it will progress very slow. Onc
e it has made it through to the second layer of the enamel, it will spread faste
r as it heads towards the pulp. The pulp is a vital area of the tooth, as it co
ntains the nerves and blood supply. This is where the pain will be the most int
ense, as the decay will start to eat at the nerves.
Although decay can take 2 - 3 years to get through the enamel, it can make it fr
om the dentin to the pulp in less than a year. Once it makes it to the dentin,
the decay can destroy most of the tooth structure in a matter of weeks - or mont
hs. The most preventable type of tooth decay, known as smooth decay, also grows
the slowest. It starts out as a white spot in the tooth, where the bacteria di
ssolves the enamel. Smooth decay is very common with those 20 - 30 years of age
.
Pit or fissure decay is a bit more serious, forming along the narrow grooves in
the chewing side of the molars. It progresses more rapidly, and can eat your te
eth a lot faster than smooth decay. Due to the grooves being so narrow, it can
be hard to clean them with regular bushing. Even though you may brush on a regu
lar basis, this type of decay is hard to prevent without going to the dentist fo
r your regular checkups and cleaning.
The last type of decay, known as root decay, begins on the surface of the root.
Root decay is common with middle aged individuals. It is normally the result o
f dry mouth, a lot of sugar, or not taking care of your teeth. Root decay is th
e most difficult to prevent, and the most serious type of tooth decay. It can e
at teeth fast, leaving you no choice but to get the affected teeth removed.
Tooth decay is no laughing matter, and should always be treated before it has ti
me 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 s
hould always brush on a daily basis, and use mouthwash such as Scope or Listerin
e to kill bacteria. Bacteria is always present in your mouth, although you can
use mouthwash to kill it. If you take care of your teeth and follow the advice
of your dentist, you can normally prevent tooth decay before it has a chance to
eat at your teeth.
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