answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

lack of brushing teeth, plaque not being removed on the teeth, acid on the enamel surface of the tooth, bacteria presenting in the mouth, carbohydrates(sugar, and starches) remaining on the surface of the tooth,

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Tooth decay is caused by the acids produced when bacteria that live in your mouth digest sugars and starches. This acid eats away at the enamel of the teeth. There are several dental risk assessment tools that can help determine your risk factors for tooth decay. I found one through HealthVault called DentalOptimizer.com

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Food particles that settle on or between the teeth which are not removed by brushing will start to degrade the enamel of the tooth causing decay. Also, to much sugar or alcohol can also cause tooth damage.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
How (why) does tooth decay form? - What's the process?On page 1 of this topic we defined tooth decay as a disease process where a location on a tooth has lost so much of its mineral content that a hole (cavity) has formed.

Knowing this, the next logical questions are: Why does this occur? What's the process that causes tooth decay?

Cavities form because of a process called demineralization.Tooth decay formation takes place due to a process called demineralization.

The term "demineralization" simply describes the fact that mineral content (like calcium compounds) have been dissolved out of a tooth's hard tissues. (The tooth's enamel, dentin and cementum - See page 1 if you don't know what these are.)

Demineralization takes place when a tooth is exposed to acids. It's a slow process. One that takes place a little bit every time a tooth is subjected to another acid attack.

Where do the acids that cause tooth decay come from?The acids that cause tooth demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria that live in dental plaque (primarily lactobacilli and mutans streptococci).

Of course, these bacteria are living organisms, just like we are. And that means that just like when we eat and drink food, we create waste products. They do the same thing. And their waste products are the very same acidic compounds that cause tooth demineralization.

What kinds of foods to these bacteria eat?The bacteria that cause tooth decay consume sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) as their primary food source. And the waste products that they create because they have consumed these sugars are the acids (primarily lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of the tooth's hard tissues.

Don't forget that the that live in our mouth eat when we do. When we consume foods that contain sugars (such as soda, candy, milk, and even fruits and vegetables), they get a meal too. And within minutes, they start producing the acids that cause tooth decay.

Factor associated with tooth decay formation :When oral bacteria consume sugars, they start to produce the acids that cause tooth decay within minutes.

Cavity prevention suggestion :The less sugar you consume, or the fewer number of times you eat sugary foods, or the less time you allow sugars to remain in your mouth, the less exposure your teeth will have to the acids produced by oral bacteria. As a solution:

  • Use artificial sweeteners rather than natural sugars.
  • So to minimize how long sugars are allowed to remain in your mouth, brush and floss, or at least rinse, promptly after consuming foods.
  • Don't linger with snacking on, or sipping on, sugary foods and beverages. Eat or drink these items fairly quickly and be done with them.
Dental plaque provides the home for the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay.Everyone's mouth is inhabited by bacteria. In fact, a single human mouth can contain more microorganisms than there are people on planet Earth.

Of course, you can't sterilize your mouth. But you can minimize your potential for having tooth decay. You do this by not allowing the bacteria that live in your mouth to form organized colonies. These bacterial colonies are referred to as "dental plaque."

Dental plaque formation is the problem.Dental plaque not only provides a home for oral bacteria but it also acts as a medium that holds the acid they produce directly against a tooth's surface.

Take a look at our diagram to the left. When acid production is active (when we consume sugar) some of the acid that is formed will seep from the dental plaque's surface and into our mouth.

This isn't the acid that will cause tooth decay. Any acid finding its way into our mouth will get diluted, buffered, and/or washed away by saliva and the foods and beverages we eat and drink.

The acid underneath the dental plaque will cause tooth demineralization.The acid that is instrumental in causing the demineralization of a tooth's surface, and therefore causing tooth decay, is the acid that seeps in the opposite direction. On through the plaque and down to the tooth's surface.

This acid will lie underneath the dental plaque and directly against the tooth. And because the dental plaque covering over this acid will act as a protective layer, there will be a less effective dilution, buffering, and washing-away action created by saliva. This will mean that the acid will tend to remain in very concentrated form (a pH of 4 and lower), for quite some time, and therefore tooth demineralization will take place over an extended period of time.

Over time, saliva will finally penetrate through the dental plaque and begin to have its neutralizing effect on the acids. But this can take as long as two hours or more.Factor associated with tooth decay formation :Decay occurs in those areas where dental plaque lies on a tooth's surface.

Cavity prevention suggestion :Brush and floss often and effectively.

  • Brush and floss after every meal or snack.
  • Take the time to be thorough with your brushing and flossing. Those places that you don't clean effectively are precisely the locations where cavities will be most likely to form.

Factor associated with tooth decay formation :Acid formation, and therefore tooth demineralization, begins within minutes of oral bacteria receiving a sugary meal. It can take up to several hours for saliva to penetrate through dental plaque and neutralize these acids.

Cavity prevention suggestion :Brush and floss promptly after eating so to insure that dental plaque is not present on your teeth.

"Young" dental plaque creates less of a problem.The amount of tooth demineralization that takes place after an exposure to sugar is, in part, related to the age of the dental plaque that's present.

Characteristics such as the thickness, chemical nature, and the types of bacteria living in dental plaque all correlate with its age. Plaque that is only a few hours old will not be able to produce as much tooth demineralization as plaque that is several days old (when each is given with an identical exposure to sugar).

Factor associated with tooth decay formation :The longer dental plaque has been present on a tooth's surface, the more capable it is of causing tooth damage.

Cavity prevention suggestion :Brush and floss often and effectively. Take the time to be thorough with your brushing and flossing.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How can you get dental caries?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What does dental caries mean?

Dental caries are cavities.


How do you diagnose recurrent dental caries?

Recurrent dental caries is defined as caries which occurs at or adjacent to a surface of the tooth where dental caries had previously occurred and had been repaired.Recurrent dental caries is diagnosed like any other caries; through visual, tactile, or radiographic exam.


What is arrested caries?

"Caries" is a synonym for dental cavities. Arrested caries are cavities that have been stopped from developing further by having the appropriate dental work done on them.


What has the author Mary Oakes McClain written?

Mary Oakes McClain has written: 'The role of nutrition in dental caries' -- subject(s): Dental caries, Diseases, Nutritional aspects, Nutritional aspects of Dental caries, Teeth


Does xylitol prevent dental caries?

There is research on whether or not xylitol can prevent dental caries. From everything that I have read it can help prevent dental caries especially if you chew gum that contains xylitol. Check out www.xlear.com. They have products that contain xylitol.


What is a dental carry?

Dental Caries is just a plain ole cavity.


What 3 components are necessary for dental caries?

Three components necessary for dental caries (tooth decay) are:1. A susceptible tooth2. Cariogenic bacteria capable of converting carbohydrates into acids3. CarbohydratesEliminate any one of the three and dental caries will not occur.


What is dental caries history?

the mutants bacteria are very busy they produce adhesin glucossyltransferases ,and glucans can you explain how each of these contributes to the creation of dental caries?


Whether or not a food is likely to result in dental caries depends on all what except?

Foods are not the cause of dental caries. Cleaning the teeth after foods have been consumed is the key to preventing dental caries. While foods high in sugar can contribute, keeping the teeth clean is vital.


What is the most common cause of pulpitis?

dental caries


What is the scientific name for decayed teeth?

Dental Caries


What pathogen causes dental caries?

s. mutans