How does Tooth Decay Work
Tooth decay works in an interesting way. Simply put, some bacteria will attach themselves to plaque, and the whitish fluid will then collect on the teeth if you’re not brushing your teeth. When sugars and carbs are eaten, this has the ability to break down and use for their metabolism. They produce acid as a byproduct which in turn will drop the pH of your saliva. At around 5.5 pH, the minerals within the enamel begin to demineralize, win which the phosphate and the calcium have left the tooth and then enter into it. The effects of this are seen as white spots on teeth. The dentin and root surfaces have much less mineral than the enamel and are much more vulnerable to demineralizing at a much larger ph.
The bacterial attacks of short duration are then neutralized in about 30 or so minutes by the healthy saliva, and it returns the calcium and the phosphate into the surface of the tooth. Saliva contains these ions and that will leave the surface enamel and then are replaced from the saliva and vice versa. This process is the reverse of the demineralization process. While the white spot might disappear, this is pretty much nature’s way of repairing the damage and getting the tooth back to normal. Nothing in this world is static. It’s actually dynamic, and the changing to maintain the status quo is what happens here. This is actually the effects of the saliva, and the interchange happens on a small level, but it’s very important.
You might wonder why some people will get cavities, while others won’t. this is understood by the balance between the pathogenic and the protective factors. Everyone has their own balance that changes as time continues. The trick to this is to identify what’s out of balance, and how you can tip it towards protection and health.
There are certain pathogenic factors that are caused by the bad bacteria producing acids. The absence of healthy salivary function is another part, and of course sealants and the use of antibacterial agents, along with a good and healthy diet.
Not everyone has the same level or risk for developing caries, and this is complicated by the fact that the dynamic and risk changes daily, as well as when time continues on. You should assess your pathogenic and protective factors, and work to balance this. modern dentistry is moving towards tooth decay management that’s evidence based from years of the systemic, valid, and accumulated research. It allows for the treatment that’s based on science and is customized the actual risk that they’re presented with, rather than just the one size fits everyone approach. This will help with managing the symptoms, and you can learn about these so that you can figure out what your risk is, and work to change it over time as needed based on your dental habits and such.
