Tooth decay is a gradual process which ordinarily
begins with the outer layer of enamel and then penetrates into the dentin and
perhaps even on into the pulp.
There is a general consensus that the process of
decay begins with plaque formation. Plaque is food debris and their products
which form a sticky, concentrated film that adheres to the teeth. Decay usually
begins with a small pitted area on the surface of the bone which enlarges to
create a soft spot of partially dissolved enamel. This stage of decay is usually
painless.
The process is kept alive by the addition of sugar in our food that
promotes bacterial growth. The longer this process is untreated, the greater the
rate of destruction until the decay reaches the dentin, the main substance of
the tooth. Dentin is part mineral and part living cells, and decay spreads much
faster in dentin than in enamel, and will enlarge forming a cavity.
Inflammation
of the pulp of the tooth which contains living cells, nerves, and blood vessels
-- which most likely, at this stage, produce pain. Survival of the tooth is
critical at this stage, and prolonged irritation or inflammation of the tooth
may cause its death, or it may lead to abscess formation, a severely inflamed,
hollow area under the root.
This may require tooth extraction. Antibiotics are
normally given before extraction and also to prevent bacteria from spreading
through the blood stream causing serious illness. The best cure for tooth decay
is prevention. The best way to reduce susceptibility to decay is through the use
of fluorides. You can reduce the food supply for bacteria by reducing sugar in
your diet. The build-up of plaque can be minimized considerably by frequent
brushing and the use of dental floss. Regular, professional care is essential
for longevity of tooth life.
