TOOTH DECAY AND ACIDS

Tooth Decay & Acids 2

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to tooth decay ................................................................................................. 3

2. Procedure of demineralization of tooth by acid.................................................................. 3

3. After effects of tooth decay ................................................................................................ 4

4. Remedial and preventive measures for tooth decay ........................................................... 4

5. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 4

6. References .......................................................................................................................... 5
Tooth Decay & Acids 3

1. Introduction to tooth decay

Scientific discoveries have proved that there exists a strong relationship between the action of

acids and tooth decay. Decay is defined as the demineralization of the tooth when it is exposed

to an acidic environment of pH 5.5 and below, keeping in mind the fact that under normal

conditions the pH of mouth is neutral i.e. 7 (Cheng, Yang, Shao, Hu, & Zhou, 2009). Acids,

which are highly corrosive chemicals, damage the tissues of teeth mainly enamel and dentin

by the leaching action of mineral content which primarily comprises of calcium and phosphate

ions.

2. The process of demineralization of the tooth by acid

Foods consumed on daily basis are not solely responsible for causing tooth decay rather the

acids which are produced as a result of various chemical reactions within the mouth, are

responsible for tooth decay. Various sorts of bacteria such as streptococci mutants and

lactobacilli are mainly responsible for the production of decay-causing acids (Teanpaisan et

al., 2007). These bacteria feed on the leftover cariogenic (cavity – causing) food particles.

Some of the most common cariogenic foods include sucrose i.e. table sugar, glucose, fructose,

lactose and cooked starches. The decay-causing acids are produced as a by-product (highly

acidic in nature having pH less than 4) by the bacteria when they feed on cariogenic foods.

Once produced, these bacteria live within the dental plague while the acids start its decaying

process.

Tooth decay results in loss of calcium and phosphorus ions from the tooth (Ten Cate &

Duijsters, 1983). Basically, acids chelate and dissolve the teeth. Recent scientific studies have

shown that when the pH of the acid in contact with teeth, falls below 4, the process of tooth

decay starts occurring at the very faster rate. The rate of tooth decay is dependent mainly on

the type and number of bacteria living in the dental plaque, the density of plague and the type

of sugar meal consumed.

Tooth Decay & Acids 4

3. After effects of tooth decay

There are many negative after-effects of tooth decay. Once it triggers, it becomes very difficult

to hinder its growth. In case of severe tooth decay, the bacteria is expected to spread from the

pulp of the tooth to the surrounding periodontal tissues through the apex of mouth. This may

lead to the inflammation or even formation of a dental abscess (Selwitz, Ismail, & Pitts, 2007).

In case of severe damage to the tooth, chances of its treatment become very rare and hence

extraction becomes necessary. After extraction of a tooth, other problems such as misalignment

of other teeth may follow. Other associated with effects of tooth decay include persistent pain

affecting daily routine tasks such as sleep and general health.

4. Remedial and preventive measures for tooth decay

Decay-causing bacteria is known to initiate the process of tooth decay within minutes of

consuming sugary food. In order to reduce the among of tooth decay, the reduction in

consumption of sugary foods can play a significant role. Moreover, artificial sweeteners in

place of sugar can further retard the growth of decay-causing bacteria hence harmful acids in

the mouth. More a tooth is exposed to cariogenic foods, more are the chances of its decay hence

a quick rather swift consumption of sugary foods can also turn out to be an effective measure

in order to reduce tooth decay. Plague is termed as the home to decay-causing bacteria in the

mouth. Keeping the level of plague in the mouth to a minimum is one of the known ways of

preventing long-term after-effects of tooth decay. Tooth decay can also be controlled by use of

fluoride (Walsh et al., 2010).

5. Conclusion

The leaching action of corrosive acids on tissues of teeth such as enamel and dentin is known

as tooth decay. These acids are produced as a by-product by various forms of bacteria which

mainly include streptococci mutants and lactobacilli. When such bacteria feed on cariogenic
Tooth Decay & Acids 5

food particles in the mouth such as fructose and glucose, then decay-causing acids are formed

as by-products. These acids dissolve or corrode the phosphate and calcium ions on the tooth.

The process of tooth decay accelerates at pH less than 4. The after effects of tooth decay include

extraction of the tooth as a whole, inflammation of the mouth and persistent pain. Less use of

sugary items, though cleaning of plague and use of fluoride are some of the remedial measures

of tooth decay.

6. References

Cheng, R., Yang, H., Shao, M.-y., Hu, T., & Zhou, X.-d. (2009). Dental erosion and severe

tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review. Journal of

Zhejiang University science B, 10(5), 395-399.

Selwitz, R. H., Ismail, A. I., & Pitts, N. B. (2007). Dental caries. The Lancet, 369(9555), 51-

59.

Teanpaisan, R., Thitasomakul, S., Piwat, S., Thearmontree, A., Pithpornchaiyakul, W., &

Chankanka, O. (2007). Longitudinal study of the presence of mutans streptococci and

lactobacilli in relation to dental caries development in 3–24 month old Thai children.

International dental journal, 57(6), 445-451.

Ten Cate, J., & Duijsters, P. (1983). Influence of fluoride in solution on tooth demineralization.

Caries Research, 17(3), 193-199.

Walsh, T., Worthington, H., Glenny, A., Appelbe, P., Marinho, V., & Shi, X. (2010). Fluoride

toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries in children and

adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(1).