Year after year, tooth decay continues to be one of the most prevalent chronic conditions around the globe. In America alone, it’s estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that nearly 91% of adults between the age of 20-64 have dental caries, also known as cavities. Is there a cure for this extremely prevalent issue? Your dentist explains why tooth decay is so widespread and what you can do about it.
What Exactly Is Tooth Decay?
Plaque is a term you’ve probably heard your dentist use many times. This soft, sticky biofilm is always naturally forming in your mouth and coating your teeth. When the bacteria it contains interact with the sugar in the foods you eat, it creates an acid that begins attacking your teeth. Tooth decay refers to the destruction of your enamel, the hard, protective shell around your teeth. This often creates a permanently damaged area, which is known as a cavity.
The longer that acid is allowed to eat through your enamel, the more deterioration it can cause. If left untreated, it can work its way through your enamel as well as the sensitive layer of dentin underneath to expose the pulp of your tooth. Oftentimes when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can only be treated with root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Now that we know tooth decay is usually the result of bacteria and acid, we can discover why it’s so widespread. Unfortunately, there are plenty of factors that can promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and increase your risk of tooth decay, like:
- Bad oral hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque easily builds up on and in between your teeth.
- Constant snacking. Snacking continuously throughout the day provides a steady stream of sugar for bacteria to use and create acid.
- Misshaped teeth. Teeth with deep grooves or unusual shapes are harder to clean and can quickly accumulate plaque.
- Dry mouth. Saliva acts as your body’s natural mouthwash. Without it constantly clearing away lingering sugars, bacteria can grow rapidly.
Is There a Cure for Tooth Decay?
In the end, there is no “cure” for tooth decay. However, if your dentist identifies a patch of weakened enamel during your dental checkup, you can prevent it from getting worse. To keep permanent damage from forming, plaque needs to be kept away from the tooth and the enamel needs to recover from its demineralization. Amazingly, it’s able to repair itself with the help of minerals in your saliva, fluoridated toothpastes or mouthwashes, and foods high in calcium and phosphorus.
There are ways to prevent tooth decay altogether as well. Be sure to keep up a great dental hygiene routine, eat less sugar, and see your dentist for regular checkups to keep your smile happy, healthy, and cavity-free!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian’s practice has been serving the Haverhill community since his father founded it in 1960. Now that it’s been passed down to him, he is proud to uphold the high standards of quality dental care for his patients. He has helped thousands of smiles stay beautiful, healthy, and strong with a wide array of services, including sealants and fluoride treatments during regular dental checkups. If you have more questions about tooth decay, you can contact him at his website or at (978) 373-0901.
