Tooth decay (caries) is a bacterial infection of tooth structure.

These are the six stages of tooth decay:

 

 

 

• By eating sugar containing foods the pH levels in the mouth drops.
• This in turn will activate the bacteria to produce acid.
• The enzymes extract minerals out of the tooth. This can be identified by white patches on the surface of the tooth.
• The areas of demineralization will start to break down and form a cavity (brown in color).

 

 

 

• Hereditary
• Ingesting lots of sugary substances.
• Poor oral hygiene (for example not flossing regularly)
• Fillings of poor quality (for example open contacts which causes food traps, areas where floss gets torn easily in between teeth)
• Deep pits and fissures.
• Areas of exposed dentine (dentine is a soft, porous structure and will be affected quicker than enamel)

 

Not all tooth decay will give you symptoms. That is why it is good practice to have your teeth checked regularly by your dentist.

How does it work?

Factors which contribute to tooth decay: