Etiology of Dental Caries

There are THREE FACTORS that must be present to have tooth decay:

A TOOTH, BACTERIAL PLAQUE, and FOOD for the bacteria. Refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, are the favorite food of cariogenic (cavity causing) bacteria.

BACTERIAL PLAQUE + SUGAR = ACID
ACID + TOOTH = TOOTH DECAY

There are many ways one can decrease tooth decay. With your teeth in good repair, a proper diet, and good oral hygiene, tooth decay can be virtually eliminated.

Bacterial plaque tends to build up to an aggressive form every 20 to 28 hours. ALL PLAQUE SHOULD BE COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM ALL TOOTH SURFACES DAILY.

Foods with sugar content, such as sweetened coffee, tea and soda, bathe the teeth with sugar and, when plaque is present, the acidity in the mouth increases. Likewise, candy, cake, sweetened canned fruit and donuts are also poor food choices when trying to eliminate sugar from your diet. HEALTHY SNACKS, such as popcorn, crackers and cheese, pretzels, peanuts, and fresh fruit are good tasty substitutions. HEALTHY MEALS including unsweetened cereals and breads, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are important. Dried fruit and juices tend to increase the incidence of cavities.

Removal of dental caries is essential as the decay will not only spread deeper into the host tooth, but can spread to neighboring teeth as well. Rough fillings, open margins, or overhangs need to be replaced. Cracked or broken teeth need to be restored. If not the bacteria will invade these sites and destroy tooth structure.

IN CONCLUSION, YOU CAN GREATLY DECREASE YOUR INCIDENCE OF TOOTH CARIES BY:

1. USE OF FLORIDES TO STRENGTHEN TEETH.
2. DECREASING SUGAR INTAKE FROM FOOD OR DRINK.
3. DAILY CLEANING ALL TOOTH SURFACES INCLUDING IN BETWEEN.
4. KEEPING FILLINGS AND OTHER RESTORATIONS IN GOOD REPAIR.