Dental cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time. Here we show how tooth decay develops:
- Plaques form. Dental plaque is a transparent, sticky membrane that covers a patient’s tooth. And it results from eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning the teeth well. When sugars and starches are not cleaned from the teeth, bacteria quickly begin to feed on them and form plaque. Plaque remaining on a patient’s teeth can harden below or above the gum line and turn into tartar (odontogenic). Lime makes plaque more difficult to remove as it creates a shield for bacteria.
Plaque attacks. Plaque acids remove minerals from the hard, outer enamel of teeth. This erosion causes tiny holes, or holes, in the enamel — the first stages of tooth decay. Once areas of the enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acids can reach the next layer of the tooth, called the dentin. This dish is thinner than enamel and less acid resistant. The dentin layer contains small tubes which are in direct contact with the tooth nerve causing tooth sensitivity. - The destruction continues. As tooth decay develops, bacteria and acids continue their journey through the patient’s teeth, and are then transported to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp is swollen and irritated by bacteria. Since there is no room for expansion within the teeth, pressure is placed on the nerve, which leads to pain. The resulting discomfort can extend beyond the root of the tooth and into the bone.
