What is Tooth Decay?
Word Decay means to Rot or Decompose. Tooth decay also called dental caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids. This decay leads to Hole formation in the teeth which when not treated timely causes pain, infection & tooth loss.
Layers of Tooth
The Hard outer Layer is called Enamel.
The middle layer is called dentin.
The centre of the tooth is called pulp.
The more layers that are affected by decay, the worse the damage.
Top 5 Reasons for Tooth Decay
1) Irregular and improper tooth brushing & flossing.
One of the biggest reasons for decay is lack of proper brushing and flossing. This step is crucial since good oral hygiene can revert back the decay cycle. By default bacteria harbours in the oral cavity which when teamed up with over retained food leads to demineralization of the outer layer of teeth called Enamel; this is where the vicious cycle of decay begins. This is the most important step but sadly neglected out.
2) High Intake of Sticky & Sweet food.
Sweet & sticky food when not cleaned off timely from the oral cavity, it can cause serious damage by interacting with the bacteria and producing acids resulting in the breakdown of the tooth. So better watch what you eat otherwise the mouth will be full of decay.
3) Genetics
Scientists say that the health of your teeth depends upon a combination of gene qualities and dental cleanliness. Around 60% of the Risk for tooth decay is because of genetic factors. Analysts from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have discovered that specific hereditary variations might be the reason for tooth decay.
4) Ageing
As you age, teeth wear out and the enamel strips slowly. This wearing off exposes the inner layer of the tooth which reacts rapidly with the acids in our food leading to decay.
5) Unnoticed & untreated early decay spots.
Not always the decay will be painful. Sometimes big extensive cavities also don’t pain. For us to understand any change in the colour from yellow to black and the consistency like softness in the tooth can be of help diagnosing decay.
Early diagnosis of decay can save your teeth from further damage and like it goes,” Prevention is always better than Cure.”
Make it a point to see your dentist “Every 6 Monthly Dentistry is not expensive but neglect it”