What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay known to doctors and dentists as dental caries is a process by which the tooth enamel (the outer covering of the tooth) and the dentin (the body of the tooth) gradually disintegrate. Tooth decay does not happen all at once. It takes months for the bacterial plaque on the surface of the teeth to dissolve its way through the outer enamel and into the dentin. After that happens, the bacteria can travel through structures called dentinal tubules toward the pulp, where it can lead to deep infection, the formation of abscesses, and possible tooth ache.
Tooth decay is a two-faceted disease. It requires, first, that a concentration of certain bacteria be left for long periods of time on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria most often involved are a strain of Streptococcus bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans, which for unknown reasons seem to be more prevalent in some people’s mouths than others. Second, it requires that an individual’s teeth be susceptible to decay. This can be caused by a number of factors, including poor-quality tooth enamel, mineral imbalances in the blood, and/ or acidic, mineral deficient saliva. Certain foods are implicated in the decay process as well.
At the top of the list of culprits are fermentable carbohydrates refined starches and sugars, including fruits. Also, while a certain level of phosphorus is necessary for healthy teeth, an excessive amount of this mineral can be a problem because it may cause the depletion of calcium from tooth enamel A person who consumes large quantities of meat, milk, and, above all, carbonated beverages is probably getting more phosphorus than is good for his or her teeth. Finally, acidic foods, including carbonated beverages and certain types of fruit, such as citrus fruits and pineapple, as well as chewable vitamin C tablets also cause the loss of calcium from tooth enamel when held in the mouth.
