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• How Does tooth Decay Happen

Tooth decay is caused by certain types of bacteria (mutans streptococci
and lactobacilli) that live in your mouth. When they attach themselves to
the teeth and multiply in dental plaque, they can do damage. The bacteria
feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars) and cooked
starch (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). Within just a few minutes after
you eat, or drink, the bacteria begin producing acids as a by-product of their
digesting your food. Those acids can penetrate into the hard substance of
the tooth and dissolve some of the minerals (calcium and phosphate). If the
acid attacks are infrequent and of short duration, your saliva can help to
repair the damage by neutralizing the acids and supplying minerals and fluo-
ride that can replace those lost from the tooth. However, if:
1) your mouth is dry
2) you have many of these bacteria
3) you snack frequently
then the tooth mineral lost by attacks of acids is too great, and cannot be repaired.
This is the start of tooth decay and leads to cavities.

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