Dental decay or cavities is the most common cause of loss of teeth affecting majority of the population. Still, most people tend to ignore dental decay till it reaches the stage, where the pain becomes unbearable causing infection of the tooth and the underlying bone.

How does dental decay happen?

Bacteria are constantly present in the mouth. Certain types of bacteria can attach themselves to hard surfaces like the enamel that cover the teeth. If they're not removed, they multiply and grow in number until a colony forms. Proteins that are present in the saliva also mix in and the bacteria colony becomes a whitish film {plaque} on the tooth. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches from the food{like chocolates, sticky sweets, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables and juices},producing acid as a byproduct. This acid then eats into the tooth enamel (the outer hard layer of the tooth) gradually dissolving the tooth & a cavity is formed causing a hole in the tooth structure. If not taken care of at this stage, it further reaches the dentin {inner sensitive second layer} where it spreads more quickly. If still ignored, in some time, the decay spreads to the nerves and blood vessels in the centre of the tooth leading to tooth abscess. Unfortunately, the bacterial attack is so gradual that there may be no pain or sensitivity until the cavity becomes quite large.

Causes of Tooth Decay:

1. Lack of correct oral hygiene habits.

2. Baby Bottle Decay (Nursing Bottle Decay) happens in infants taking a bottle that contains milk or juices to bed with them .These liquids contain sugars that pool around the teeth and can cause decay.

3. Root cavities can happen in advanced age as the gums recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. Since there is no enamel covering the tooth roots, these areas can easily decay.

4. Repeated decay – can happen around existing fillings and crowns because these areas are not as smooth as a natural tooth surface

5. Cavities due to dry mouth or decreased salivation.

Ways to Prevent Dental Decay……….

The key to preventing decay is removing plaque and bacteria before acid can eat away the tooth. This can be achieved by:

Good oral hygiene habits: brushing carefully {inside, outside and between your teeth} at least twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoridated toothpaste.

Food habits: cutting down on sweets and between meal snacks, replacing fast food with raw vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Regular dental checkups: Visiting your dentist at least every six months for checkups. Your dentist can help you in following ways:

1. may recommend fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements if required.
   
2. may use professional anti-cavity varnish, or sealants {thin plastic coatings} providing an extra barrier against food and debris.
   
3. can repair the gaps or smooth the rough edges in existing fillings that could be areas for bacteria to grow.
   
4. can detect early decay on x-rays & prevent it from spreading further. ? can teach you the right way of brushing & flossing.
   

Oral health reflects a person’s overall health. You can achieve a perfect oral health by taking good care of your teeth & oral cavity everyday and say goodbye to dental decay forever……..!!!