The Tooth Decay Process
Caries is a complex, chronic disease process that involves three factors: the teeth of a bacterial food (starch and sugar).
Teeth
The outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, is the hardest substance in the body. Although this is harder than our bones, it is not strong enough to keep his mouth acids caused by the introduction of bacteria and sugar.
Bacteria
Mouth bacteria that promotes the production of important substances in the body. If fed too many carbohydrates, these bacteria will multiply and adhere to the tooth in the form of a viscous colorless plaque.
Power (starch and sugar)
Starches and sugars, especially those that stick to the teeth, contribute to the development of caries, if used too often and are balance with other foods. Starch (bread, cereal, crackers) and fructose (juice, raisins, fruits) split on sugar saliva. Bacteria use these sugar for the production of mouth acids that will attack the outer layer of enamel and cause
tooth decay.
The collapse of the
Mouth acids attack tooth enamel and create holes, called caries.
The more we feed the bacteria, the more acid is produced and more caries we cause. Left alone, caries will grow deep into the tooth until it reaches the internal nerve (pulp) and at the end of the roots of the teeth, causing abscess. Unnecessary pain and discomfort can occur during the caries process. When the abscess or severe forms of infection in the tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
What to do?
In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to strengthen the tooth to withstand acid attacks and reducing the number mouth acids. This can be achieved by:
- drinking water recommended levels of fluoride
- Cleaning teeth with fluoride toothpaste, after Breakfast and before bedtime
- avoiding starches and sweets between meals (decreasing the amount of acid in your mouth)
- drink plenty of water to produce saliva during the day
The role of saliva
The salivary glands produce saliva, still chewing, which dissolves some of the food. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep our saliva working properly. Saliva helps remove food from the teeth and neutralizes the mouth of the acids produced by bacteria. Saliva also contains calcium and fluoride, which can help restore the beginning of the collapse. ..