#toothdecay
#toothcavity
#toothcare
#causesOfToothDecay
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#irtisamsbiology
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
What causes tooth decay?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful, including the ones that play a role in tooth decay. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. The bacteria in plaque use the sugar and starch in what you eat and drink to make acids. The acids begin to eat away at the minerals on your enamel. Over time, the plaque can harden into tartar. Besides damaging your teeth, plaque and tartar can also irritate your gums and cause gum disease.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay and cavities?
In early tooth decay, you usually don't have symptoms. As tooth decay gets worse, it can cause:
A toothache (tooth pain)
Tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold
White or brown stains on the surface of a tooth
A cavity
An infection, which can lead to an abscess (pocket of pus) forming. The abscess can cause pain, facial swelling, and fever.
Tooth problems and their solution
