How do teeth get decayed?

Tooth decay is a common problem for many children. It is usually accompanied by pain and severe cases may require tooth extraction. Tooth decay is quite harmful, and the loss of a tooth also affects the appearance. In order to avoid tooth decay, we need to understand the causes of tooth decay and take preventive measures. So, how do teeth get decayed? Let’s take a closer look below.

The currently recognized theory of the etiology of dental caries is the four-factor theory , which mainly includes bacteria, oral environment, host (that is, parasites including parasites, viruses and other organisms that parasitize on it) and time. The basic point is that cariogenic food sugars (especially sucrose and refined carbohydrates) are tightly attached to the tooth surface, forming an acquired film by salivary proteins. This acquired film is not only firmly attached to the tooth surface, but also has enough time and temperature to produce acid deep in the plaque, attacking the teeth, demineralizing them, and further destroying organic matter, resulting in caries. 1. Bacterial tooth decay is a necessary condition for occurrence. It is generally believed that there are two types of cariogenic bacteria. One is acid-producing bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces and Lactobacillus, which can decompose carbohydrates to produce acid, leading to demineralization of tooth inorganic matter; the other is Gram-positive cocci, which can destroy organic matter and form tooth cavities after long-term action.