nlm.nih.gov).
The bacteria which live in our mouths eat when we do. So, as we ingest foods which contain sugars (such as soda, candy, milk, and even fruits and vegetables or the juices made from them) the bacteria get a meal too, and within minutes they start producing the acids which cause tooth decay.
Plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate within 20 minutes after eating, the time when most bacterial activity occurs. If plaque and bacteria are left on the teeth, cavities can develop and untreated tooth decay can result in death of the internal structures of the tooth and ultimately the loss of the tooth (www.nlm.nih.gov).
Dental plaque not only provides living quarters for bacteria but it also helps to hold the acid produced by these bacteria up against the tooth's surface. Acids created by bacteria which lie near the surface of the dental plaque will possibly seep out off the plaque's surface and into our mouths. This acid will get diluted, buffered, and/or washed away by saliva and the foods we eat and drink and isn't the acid that will be especially instrumental in actually forming tooth decay (www.nlm.nih.gov).
The acid which will demineralize a tooth and hence cause tooth decay formation is the acid which seeps in the other direction, on through the plaque down to the tooth's surface. This acid will be held right up against the tooth and because down at this depth there is less dilution, buffering, or washing away by saliva the acid will be in very concentrated form (a pH of 4 or lower) (www.nlm.nih.gov).
Dietary sugars and starches (carbohydrates) increase the risk of tooth decay. The type of carbohydrate and the timing and frequency of ingestion are more important that the amount. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth (www.nlm.nih.gov).
Brian has briefly described what exactly tooth decay is and it is our mission not to inform you of what is but most importantly tell you how you can prevent your pretty teeth from decaying.
