How to Stop Tooth Decay in its Tracks | Causes of Cavities and Tooth Decay

Causes of Cavities?

The simple answer is Bacteria. Yes bacteria is the real culprit in the cause of tooth decay, not sugar as we are told. If we could eliminate or reduce the bacteria level there wouldn't be much of a cavity, tooth decay or gum problem. It's important to remember that cavities are the primary symptom of a Bacterial Disease.

How do Cavities Form?

A cavity is an area on a tooth's enamel where enough of its mineral content has been lost that a hole is formed. The process by which this occurs is called demineralization and it takes place because of the presence of acids formed by bacteria on the tooth's surface.

Where do these Acids Come From?

The acids that cause enamel demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli)

These bacteria are living organisms just as we are. When humans consume food, we create waste products. Bacteria do the same. When they consume food the waste products created are the acids (especially lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of the tooth enamel and dentin. Hence cavities and tooth decay which can lead to gingivitis.

When we eat and drink, these oral bacteria get a meal too. Since oral bacteria live in our mouth and if they have an abundant food supply (sugar, milk, starch and even fruits and vegetables) they multiply exponentially within minutes producing the acids that cause tooth decay.

Oral Bacteria and Dental Plaque.

Everyone's mouth is inhabited by bacteria and they are supposed to be there. In fact a single human mouth can contain more micro organisms than there are people on planet Earth. While we can't sterilize our mouths or completely stop eating, we can minimize our potential for cavities. You do this by not allowing the bacteria that are present to proliferate and form organized colonies. These oral bacterial colonies are referred to as "Dental Plaque".

Dental plaque is not only the home for oral bacteria but it also acts as a medium that holds the acid they produce directly against the tooth's surface. This acid will tend to remain in a very concentrated form (a pH of 4 or lower) for quite some time after it has been created.

The longer dental plaque has been present on a tooth's surface, the more capable it is of causing tooth damage and left long enough it will form a yellow or brown layer of hardened dental plaque referred to as Calculus or Tartar.

Control and Prevention of Tooth Decay.

Basically there are two approaches we can take. The first is to follow the common path which tells us to brush thoroughly every time we eat, floss twice daily, control your diet and visit your dentist every three months.

The second and more intelligent approach is to control the proliferation of oral bacterial and their organized colonies (dental plaque). This is less time consuming and far less expensive. If we prevent the cavity producing bacteria from reproducing into organized colonies, we prevent plaque and therefore no tooth decay.

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Cavity Prevention ~ Facts and Information

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At White Smiles Superstore we strive to bring you the best cavity prevention facts and how to stop tooth decay information available. Taking the step to improve your smile is a courageous one and you may have questions about the process. Here you will find the answers.