Causes of tooth decay
Tooth decay or colloquially “tooth decay” is one of the most widespread diseases of the teeth and the gums, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide.
However, many people still do not know how and for what reason tooth decay occurs, which factors promote it and how an infection can be counteracted. The causes of tooth decay are quite simple: Since tooth decay is a food rich in carbohydrates (sugar) is favored disease, the causative bacteria belong to a genus that requires carbohydrates to a particular extent for survival.
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These are so-called cariogenic streptococci. The oral cavity is densely populated by these bacteria as a warm, moist habitat; around 300 different species live in our oral cavity.
The majority of these bacteria are extremely important for the digestive process and must therefore exist in our oral cavity. In order to adhere to the surface of the teeth, they have to secrete a sticky, sugar-rich secretion.
In addition, the bacteria use the sugar (especially glucose) to generate energy, that is, to survive.
Unfortunately, this also creates waste materials (Lactic acid) which damage the tooth substance and are considered to be the cause of tooth decay. The lactic acid attacks the tooth enamel and dissolves it. This explains why the frequent consumption of sweet foods promotes the development of caries. In addition to the waste products of the bacteria, food residues also contribute to the formation of plaque and tooth decay. Irregular tooth cleaning therefore inevitably leads to tooth damage.
An even tooth structure would make it more difficult for the bacteria to adhere and thus the development of a caries defect, but unfortunately the tooth surface is anything but flat.
Especially the chewing surfaces (occlusal surfaces) offer many points of attack. When looking at a molar (Molars) the uneven structure is most noticeable because the chewing surfaces have deep grooves (Fissures), in which bacteria can multiply undisturbed and wreak havoc. Ideally, these fissures are relatively flat and easy to clean, but they can also be wedge-shaped or bottle-shaped and thus difficult to keep clean.
As a rule of thumb, the deeper and narrower the fissure, the higher the risk of tooth decay.
Other causes for the development of tooth decay
However, there are other one another causes for the development of carious defects.
You should keep in mind that the perfect salivation is essential for a healthy oral cavity and intact teeth.
Insufficient salivation and dry mouth increase the risk of tooth decay enormously.
A patient suffers from a malignant one tumor of the head or neck area, it usually becomes one radiotherapy have to endure.
In this radiation therapy, so-called ionizing rays are used, which heritage (DNA) damage the tumor cells. But it is of course not possible for the radiation to differentiate between the cells of the malignant tumor and the healthy tissue cells.
In the course of this cancer treatment, intact cells are damaged, for example those of the Salivary glands and a resulting decreased saliva production (radiogenic xerostomia). The lack of saliva production, in turn, promotes caries (radiation caries lat. Caries radiatio).
Furthermore, many experts talk about a genetic predisposition to develop caries diseases.
Poor dental hygiene
The root cause of the development of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. Caries-promoting bacteria accumulate on the teeth in so-called plaque. With extensive oral hygiene, these plaque can be brushed away. If this fails, however, more and more bacteria can accumulate and lead to tooth decay in the affected areas. This is preferably done in places that are difficult to clean. These include interdental spaces, pits or fissures in the teeth. For this reason, the use of dental floss and / or interdental brushes in addition to regular tooth brushing is very important.
Read more on the topic: Oral hygiene
Tooth decay from the wrong diet
A high-sugar diet plays a crucial role in the development of tooth decay. The bacteria, which can accumulate on the teeth in a so-called plaque due to poor oral hygiene, convert the sugar in the food into acids. These acids then attack the tooth enamel and dissolve the minerals. The longer the acids can act, the more the tooth enamel is damaged. The critical pH value for this is in the range 5.2 - 5.7. The saliva now has the task of neutralizing the acids within 30 - 60 minutes. The more sugary foods are consumed, the higher the risk of tooth decay
Read more on the topic: The right nutrition for healthy teeth
Causes of tooth decay on milk teeth
Baby teeth are particularly prone to the development of tooth decay. The reason for this lies in the structure of the hard tooth substance of the milk teeth. Caries often manifests itself in babies or toddlers. Drinks containing sugar in the evening lead to the development of tooth decay and should be avoided. A dentist can provide information about correct and age-appropriate dental care for children.
Read more on the topic: Tooth decay in young children
Causes of tooth decay on the tooth neck
Caries does not necessarily only have to be on the tooth crown (= the area of the tooth in the mouth that can be seen above the gums), but can also manifest itself on the tooth neck. The tooth neck is the area of transition between the tooth crown and the beginning of the tooth root. This area is covered by gums under normal circumstances. Tooth neck tooth decay occurs in most cases when the gums have receded. The exposed areas on the tooth are particularly sensitive and are therefore often left out when brushing. The lack of cleaning can lead to caries formation on the tooth necks due to the accumulation of bacteria.
Read more on the topic: Cervical caries
