What is tooth decay?
Poor hygiene habits will let the tartar and plaque to build up around teeth and accelerate the process of decay. Even if your mouth has a lot of bacteria that is always present, single one type will generate the acid that results in tooth decay. Several people have active decay that is always present in their mouths. Family member with active decay can easily pass the decay on to a child or loved one through eating, kissing, or drinking from the same glass.
One time the decay has settled in the tooth’s enamel, it will progress very slowly. Once it has made it through to the second layer of the enamel, it will spread faster as it heads towards the pulp. It is a vital area of the tooth, as it contains the nerves and blood supply. At this stage the pain will be the most intense, as the decay will start to eat at the nerves.
Even though tooth decay can take two to three years to get through the enamel, it can make it from the dentin to the pulp in less than a year. One time it makes it to the dentin, the decay can destroy most of the tooth structure in a matter of weeks - or months. The most preventable type of tooth decay, known as smooth decay, also grows the slowest. It starts out as a white spot in the tooth, where the bacteria dissolve the enamel. Soft decay is very common with those 20 - 30 years of age.
Fissure or pit decay is a serious case, forming along the narrow grooves in the chewing side of the molars. Pit decay progresses more quickly, and can eat your teeth a lot faster than smooth decompose. Due to the grooves being so narrow, pit decay can be hard to clean them with regular bushing. Although you may brush on daily, this kind of decay is hard to prevent without going to the dentist for your regular cleaning and checkups.
Other type of decay, known as root decay, begins on the surface of the root. It is common with middle aged folks. Root decay is normally the result of dry mouth, a lot of sugar, or not taking care of your teeth. This type of decay is the most difficult to prevent, and the most serious type of tooth decay. It can eat teeth fast, leaving you no choice but to get the affected teeth detached.
Tooth decay is no laughing issue, and should always be treated before it has time to spread and affect more of your teeth. If you visit your dentist for your regular checkups and cleaning, you can normally prevent it from early. Remember to brush on a daily basis, and use mouthwash such as Scope or Listerine to kill microorganisms. Bacteria are always present in your mouth, although you can use mouthwash to kill it.
