Tooth decay occurs when the tooth's surface or the enamel is damaged. When bacteria in your mouth accumulate, it can lead to cavities, also known as dental caries, and it can also lead to tooth decay. Cavities are tiny holes on the tooth's surface that vary in size.

Dental caries are most often caused by bacterial buildup, over-consuming sugary foods and drinks, and poor oral hygiene. A cavity is early tooth decay that should be treated immediately with dental fillings.

Cavities are extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90 percent of adults aged 20 and over have had at least one cavity and 1 in 4 adults from the ages of 20 to 64 currently have at least one cavity. Even though cavities are most prevalent amongst adults, babies, teenagers, and the elderly can still get them as well. 

If left untreated, dental caries can further the tooth decay process and cause issues such as severe tooth pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. Visiting your dentist regularly and having a good oral health routine that includes frequent brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of dental caries vary depending on the severity of tooth decay. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

However, as tooth decay advances there are common symptoms and signs to look out for:

• White, brown, or black tooth stains and spots
• Toothache or sharp pains
• Tooth sensitivity triggered by hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Chewing pain when biting down on firmer foods
• Small holes or craters in your teeth
• Abscess (pocket of pus) caused by an infection
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Halitosis

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?

Every day our mouths are filled with harmful bacteria. These bacteria mix with the foods and drinks we consume and form plaque. Dental plaque is a soft sticky film that coats the teeth. Bacteria that are found in plaque then develop acids that erode the minerals on the tooth's enamel. As plaque builds, it then hardens into tartar.

As tooth decay progresses and your enamel keeps losing minerals, a cavity forms. A cavity starts as a white spot indicating where minerals have been lost. If a cavity advances enough to form a hole, it'll need to be filled by a dentist to prevent further dental decay.

 

COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH DECAY

There are several risk factors and causes when it comes to tooth decay. Below are a few of the most common.

PLAQUE BUILDUP

When dental plaque builds up in your mouth it causes acids to eat away at your tooth enamel. When the enamel becomes damaged enough, cavities form and the bacteria continue to decay the tooth. Bacteria can eventually reach dentin, which is a tender bone-like material beneath the enamel. Dentin is not as equipped to fight bacteria.

At this stage, the tooth decay may begin to advance at a faster rate and may even reach the nerve or bone, or cause a tooth abscess.

Since plaque is stubborn, it's important to visit your dentist regularly to have plaque and tartar professionally removed. The degree to which people accumulate dental plaque varies by individual. Schedule professional cleanings regularly to avoided decayed tooth tissue.

POOR ORAL HYGIENE

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of issues. Bad habits such as not brushing your teeth regularly or flossing can lead to decay-causing bacteria building up in your mouth. Poor dental hygiene can also lead to other issues such as halitosis, gum disease, receding gums, and heart disease.

According to the American Dental Association, it's best practice to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste. A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

DRY MOUTH

Dry mouth also referred to as xerostomia, is a condition where the salivary glands in your mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids and bacteria in your mouth. A shortage of saliva can negatively affect the health of your teeth and gums.

Common causes of dry mouth include certain medications, aging, chemotherapy, smoking, tobacco use, and recreational drug use.

ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that causes a burning sensation in the lower chest area. Over 60 million Americans struggle with heartburn and it's more common in Western countries.

Your stomach produces strong acids to break down and digest food. When a person has acid reflux, that acid flows up into the esophagus and sometimes up into the mouth. When stomach acid makes its way up into your mouth, it can cause tooth decay and erosion of the enamel.

When enamel weakens, it increases your risk of getting dental caries, tooth decay, and discoloration. If the enamel is fully lost, you can't get it back. To fix tooth erosion most people may need a dental crown, root canal, fillings, or tooth removal. Your dentist or doctor may recommend that you take medication to keep heartburn under control.

SUGARY AND CARBOHYDRATE-RICH FOODS

Dental plaque builds up faster on the teeth when foods and drinks that are high in sugars and carbohydrates are consumed regularly. Frequently eating sugary foods such as ice cream, candy, caramel, and cookies feeds plaque bacteria in your mouth that then produces acids that erode your tooth enamel surface.

High carbohydrate foods such as white bread, potatoes, and pasta break down the starches found in them and turn them into sugar. These foods also tend to be very chewy and paste-like, making them more likely to stick to your teeth and get stuck in between crevices.

FREQUENT SNACKING

Incessantly snacking during the day and chugging sugary sodas or beverages can also cause tooth decay. By constantly snacking, you're overfeeding bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria then builds and produces acids that attack your enamel. It's best to eat nutritious and balanced meals spaced out throughout the day. And if you do eat any sugary or starchy snacks, brush your teeth immediately after.

GENETICS

Though most tooth decay happens due to poor oral hygiene or unhealthy lifestyle habits, some people are genetically predisposed to getting cavities more easily. According to recent research, an estimated 60 percent of tooth decay may be due to genetics.

Genetics contribute to your enamel structure, saliva, and the shape of your teeth. Some people may have weaker enamel than others and the shape or positioning of their teeth may naturally lend themselves more easily to plaque buildup. Scientists have also discovered that certain people may be genetically inclined to be more addicted to sweets.

So if you're wondering why your candy-loving friend never gets a cavity, but you seem to always be at the dentist, it could be your genetics.

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders such as anorexia (self-starvation) and bulimia (binging, compulsive eating, vomiting) can cause severe dental health issues. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 89 percent of people with bulimia have signs that show up in the mouth.

Eating disorders may permanently damage your teeth and gums. Malnutrition can cause a deficiency in calcium, Vitamin D, and iron. Your body needs calcium for strong bones and teeth, without it your teeth may become loose and even fall out. Vitamin D also helps keep your immune system strong and helps prevent gum disease. Eating disorders can also cause dry mouth, excessive stomach acid, and reflux.

If a bulimic person self-induces vomiting, the harsh acids can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. If you're struggling with an eating disorder, fluoride treatments can help restore your enamel. Your dentist can also provide guidance and advice for protecting your teeth.

BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

Baby bottle tooth decay also referred to as infant caries or early childhood caries, is a condition where infants and young children develop tooth decay. This happens more commonly to the top teeth, though the bottom teeth can be affected as well.

One of the most common reasons for baby bottle tooth decay is prolonged exposure to sugary drinks, especially before bedtime. Before bedtime, bottles filled with milk or juice allow sugars to consistently coat the teeth. Early tooth decay in infants and children should be prevented as it could affect the way their adult teeth come in.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, you can interrupt and even reverse the tooth decay process to keep your child from getting cavities.

When your infant's teeth come in, it's best to brush them gently with a special toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This and lowering the intake of sugary drinks, will help prevent cavities in baby teeth.

ORAL PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS

Oral parafunctional habits such as teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) or clenching are habits that can stress or damage the teeth. Parafunctional habits are habits where the teeth are used for an uncommon or unintended purpose. Examples include nail-biting, chewing ice cubes, grinding, or opening hard objects with your teeth. Over time, these habits can lead to tooth decay.

Poor oral habits can wear your teeth down causing cracks, chipped teeth, or jaw pain. Oral parafunctional habits are sometimes caused by anxiety, depression, or trauma.