Tooth decay is the result of acids, formed by bacteria, breaking down the teeth. Tooth decay leads to cavities, which are also known as dental caries. Cavities range in color from yellow to black and can cause such symptoms as difficulty eating, dull ache, and pain. If left untreated, cavities can lead to inflammation, infection, abscess, or loss of the tooth. When bacteria break down debris from food or drinks, usually those containing a high amount of starch or sugar, acid is produced. This acid deteriorates the teeth, breaking down the minerals that make up the varied layers of the teeth. Saliva and fluoride work together to repair the minerals that make up the teeth, but when these minerals are broken down faster than they can be repaired, cavities result. People who produce less saliva, which may happen as a result of some diseases or medications, have mouths that are less equipped to repair the demineralization of the teeth. Cavities may also result from poor oral hygiene or unhealthy eating habits.

Recommended oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice daily, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing daily. This is the best course of action to prevent the onset of tooth decay and to repair tooth decay in its early stages. When decay has progressed considerably, the tooth may be professionally repaired or restored, or it may need to be removed. Because tooth decay is found in people at all of life’s stages, including infancy, introducing proper oral hygiene approaches at an early age is recommended. Talk to your dentist about how to keep your children protected from tooth decay and cavities. While regular oral hygiene is important, it is also helpful to limit between-meal snacking and reduce the intake of starchy or sugary foods and drinks and to increase water consumption, especially if you are drinking fluoridated tap water from a municipal water supply. This water is supplemented with added fluoride which helps the saliva protect the mineral surfaces of the teeth from acids. Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to tooth decay and accelerate the destruction caused by tooth decay; talk to your dentist if you want tips for smoking cessation or want to limit your alcohol consumption. Additionally, dentists recommend regular checkups and professional cleanings, to diagnose and also prevent tooth decay. Since decay can be reversed in its earliest stages, early diagnosis though periodic dental checkups can help prevent the irreparable damage wrought by cavities.

In order for cavities to form on teeth, bacteria and carbohydrates, such as those found in sugary or starchy foods or drinks, need time to work together. When naturally occurring oral bacteria and these carbohydrates combine on the surfaces of the teeth, they metabolize to form acid that gradually deteriorates the minerals that make up the teeth. Different people are affected by these acids to differing degrees, dependent upon the shape of their teeth, the location of the acid buildup, their oral hygiene habits, and the composition and quantity of their saliva. Cavities are diagnosed through a visual and manual examination and may also be seen on dental x-rays. While regular brushing and flossing can help reduce the prevalence of tooth decay, professional cleanings are necessary to remove tartar, which is hardened plaque that can trap bacteria and acids on the surfaces of the teeth, and can greatly contribute to the reduction of tooth decay and the prevention of dental cavities.

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