How does the dental decay occurs?
Dental decay, also known as cavities or caries, occurs due to the breakdown and loss of tooth structure over time. This process involves several factors, usually related to the activity of bacteria and the consumption of sugary foods. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how dental decay occurs:
1. Plaque Formation: Dental plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on the surface of teeth. It contains bacteria that thrive on the sugars found in food particles left in the mouth.
2. Acid Production: When plaque bacteria come into contact with sugars from food, they produce acids. These acids begin to dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth.
3. Demineralization: As the acids produced by plaque bacteria continue to dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, the enamel weakens and becomes demineralized. This initial stage of tooth decay may not be visible, but it can be detected by a dentist.
4. Dentin Decay: If the demineralization process is not stopped or reversed, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth's dentin, which is softer than enamel. Dentin decay often causes sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
5. Pulp Involvement: As the decay reaches the pulp chamber, where the tooth nerve and blood vessels are located, the infection and inflammation can cause severe pain. This stage is known as pulpitis.
6. Abscess Formation: If the infection from the pulp is not treated, it can spread to the bone surrounding the tooth, leading to the formation of an abscess. An abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
7. Cavitation: If the decay is left untreated, it can eventually create a hole or cavity in the tooth. This stage of tooth decay is often associated with noticeable pain and requires dental treatment such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or tooth extraction, depending on the severity of the decay.
Prevention of dental decay involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly, reducing sugar intake, avoiding sugary snacks between meals, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings.