We want you to understand the process of tooth decay, so you can take action to prevent it and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
Tooth decay is caused by the action of bacteria on the foods you eat. Thousands of bacteria exist in everyone's mouth. Most of these bacteria are beneficial, but some of them form tightly-knit colonies called plaque, which is the sticky, colorless film that develops constantly on your teeth.
The bacteria in plaque survive by digesting the foods you eat, specifically the ones that are broken down into simple sugars. These include candy and sweets, as well as other high-carbohydrate foods like pasta, bread, cereals, milk, dried fruits, juices, and sweetened drinks. When the plaque bacteria digest these sugars, a chemical reaction occurs, and the bacteria produce acid.
Tooth decays starts when the acid slowly dissolves the minerals in the enamel layer of your teeth. This forms a demineralized area that appears as a white or brown spot on a tooth's surface. This is the first visible sign of tooth decay.
In the best circumstances, saliva balances the effects of the acid. It helps wash away bacteria, neutralizes the acids, and replaces the minerals that were lost to acid attack. However, if you eat too many sugary or starchy foods or if you eat too often, your saliva can't keep up with the bacteria. These conditions allow the bacteria to reproduce wildly and develop even thicker accumulations of plaque.
The accumulation of plaque keeps saliva away from the tooth surface, and eventually the acids create a hole in the enamel layer of your tooth. This hole is called a cavity. Areas in the mouth that trap plaque are especially at risk for decay. These include the grooves in the biting surfaces of teeth, in between teeth, along the gumline, and on any exposed tooth roots.
You can resist tooth decay by regularly taking action to slow acid production, remove plaque from your teeth, and strengthen the tooth enamel. Here are some tips: