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Tooth Decay

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.


Essays Related to Tooth Decay

1. Proper Oral Health Care

... be required for removal. A way to ensure great oral health is to control the amount of sugar intake as well as how often it is in taken. Sugar contributes to tooth decay. By restricting consuming drinks with a lot of sugars to only at mealtime will help do this. "A consumer should also beware of hidden sugars in foods because it is used as ... , women with periodontal diseases are seven times more likely to deliver premature babies." (Meow). Periodontal disease is an oral infection. Dr. Meow states, "Women that are pregnant experience increased gingivitis, tooth decay and premature deliv...

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2. Flouride in New Zealand Waters

... and water consumed, such minerals would include fluoride, calcium and phosphate. If the process of demineralization is faster or larger than the process of remineralization the outcome could lead to tooth decay. The Fluoride substance helps protect your teeth from tooth decay by making it more resistant to acids produced by bacteria and sugars. Fluoride has also been known to reverse early signs of ... study also found that one in two children aged between 2–17 years had decaying teeth. As discussed earlier one of the main reason for tooth decay is the amount of sugar intake being lar...

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3. the reason why children should

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4. Dental Carries, a preventable disease

... exposed to carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, some vegetables and juices, tooth decay begins. Certain carbohydrates such as lactose fermentation, cause the most problems. Acid is produced 2 and with time, it weekens teeth and damages enamel ... never be shared, because dental carries is such a preventable disease. (Hume) 3 Last, the most important and simple aspect of prevention to tooth decay, is to make a routine lifestyle to eat healthy diet. Sweets and sugary foods should be eaten sparingly since these are the foods that ...

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5. Cosmetic Dentistry

... and jaw into proper alignment. Also, people seek orthodontic treatment because crooked or crowded teeth are hard to keep clean, which may lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, or gum disease (American Association of Orthodontics). According to Rebecca D. Williams (11), braces apply gentle pressure to teeth, moving them slowly ... braces are taken off, retainers, which are removable, are usually worn for at least a year. Retainers are used because bone surrounding the tooth roots may not be totally tightened and can still move (Garfield 225). The retainers keep teeth in its place until tissues...

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6. Factors Affecting Glycogen Storage in Oral Bacteria

... in "gingival crevicular exudates" facilitates initiation of caries formation. These exudates interfere with the activity of mucins and NIA's, aiding in the binding of bacteria to the tooth surface, especially when serum components of the gingival crevicular exudates are present. Such accumulations of crevicular fluid are more present near the gingival margins. Therefore, the serum ... glucosyltransferase activity, production of extracellular glucans in the presence of sucrose, and production of lactic acid sealed against the surface of the tooth. Once the environment becomes acidic (pH...

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7. Fluoridation: Friend or Foe

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8. Advantages of Good Oral Hygiene

... is not removed it hardens into a rough, porous deposit often known as calculus. Thus, dental plaque plays an important role in dental decay and causes periodontal disease, along with other gum diseases. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting 10% of the world's population. Over time, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If left unchecked ... be lost forever. Proper brushing can help reduce this risk of gum disease. Brushing your teeth should be part of your daily routine. Brushing helps remove plaque and food. Each tooth's surface should be ...

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9. Eating Disorders

... Suppression of sexual desire Hands and feet cold at normal room temperature Chronic insomnia Hyperactivity Frequent illnesses. Physical problems can include anemia, heart palpitations, bone loss, and tooth decay. Life-threatening problems include suicide, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Possible warning signs of anorexia include: Self-starvation and weight loss Intense fear of getting fat ... generally relate to the purging and not the binge eating. Physical repercussions include swelling of the stomach or pancreas, inflammation of the esophagus, enlarged salivary glands, and tooth d...

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