THE CAUSE OF THE CAVITY
Tooth decay (dental caries) is the result of bacterial infection. Everyone has an extensive amount and variety of bacteria in their mouths. These bacteria consume food particles on and around teeth, and then release toxins that can damage the teeth, gums and jawbone. The toxins that some of these bacteria, Streptococcus mutans in particular, release in your mouth are acids. These acids corrode teeth causing holes or cavitations (hence the term "cavity") called carious lesions. Three factors determine the extent of this problem: the aggressiveness of the infective bacteria, the oral environment in which these bacteria exist, and natural resistance to these bacteria.
Clearly, the more aggressive that these decay-causing bacteria are, the faster the decay will progress. This factor is beyond your control. Currently, an anti-cavity vaccine is being investigated, although it may not be available for five to ten years.
The oral environment is completely within personal control, and is governed by means of diet, habits and oral hygiene (home care). Decay-causing bacteria like Streptococcus Mutans produce more acids after the consumption of very sugary or very starchy foods (pastry is an example of both). Stickier foods, such as taffy or fruit roll-ups, have greater decay-causing potential, because they will remain on the surfaces of your teeth longer. Limiting these foods in your diet will reduce your decay rate. Thorough brushing and flossing every night just before bedtime will remove any remaining food particles from your teeth at the time when your teeth are most susceptible to decay. Using a fluoride rinse after your nightly brushing and flossing will help harden your teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments performed for you in our office are even more effective for this purpose.
Although you might think that your natural immunity to decay is totally genetic, this is not completely true--some of it comes from nurture, in the form of fluoridated water. Consumption of fluoridated water from birth through adolescence greatly increases the hardness of teeth. Community water supply fluoridation is the single most successful public health measure ever undertaken in this country. If you have questions about any aspect of tooth decay and its prevention, please ask us.