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5. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 4
6. References .......................................................................................................................... 5
Tooth Decay & Acids 3
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.
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
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
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
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
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., &
lactobacilli in relation to dental caries development in 3–24 month old Thai children.
Ten Cate, J., & Duijsters, P. (1983). Influence of fluoride in solution on tooth demineralization.
Walsh, T., Worthington, H., Glenny, A., Appelbe, P., Marinho, V., & Shi, X. (2010). Fluoride