More than 90 percent of the people around the world suffer from cavities and tooth decay. While it is a common phenomenon, it is not something that should be ignored or left untreated for a long stretch. Over time and due to ones neglect, what starts as a small issue manifests itself into a bigger problem which can be a threat to one’s health.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Typically tooth decay is caused by acid producing bacteria that remain in the dentures. This is caused by leftover food particles and mostly when the teeth have not been cleaned as properly as they should have been. The leftover food particles cause a thin film to form on the teeth enamel, more commonly known as tarter or plaque. Over time this causes decay and affects the teeth.

How Tooth Decay Affects the Teeth

A tooth is made of three layers. The first or the topmost layer, the enamel. The dentine being the second and lastly, the nerves. Once decay starts setting in on the enamel, it infiltrates into the dentine. If that happens it is just a matter of time before it gets into the nerve chamber. This can be immensely painful and can lead to completely destruction of the teeth.

How Can You Tell if You Have Tooth Decay?

Decay manifests itself in three forms. It can often start of as a white spot. The plaque starts feeding into the teeth enamel, and is the beginning of a more serious form. At this stage good toothpaste and regular brushing often help remove the spot. Once the enamel is eaten up by the bacteria, it gets into the dentine, which is generally referred to as the cavity. This can be cured by a dentist, where they may scrap out the bacteria and add a sealant. The advanced stage of decay is when the bacteria has eaten into the pulp or the nerve chamber and destroys the tooth completely.

Decay is actually caused by a bad lifestyle and also due to bad dietary habits. So take heed and work on your habits before you suffer from the excruciating pain that is brought about by tooth decay.