Why do we have tooth decay? Three reasons to pay attention to

Tooth decay is one of the common problems in people's oral cavity. Generally speaking, after people have tooth decay, they should learn more about the causes of tooth decay. So, why do tooth decay occur?

1. Bacteria

There are a large number of bacteria living in the mouth. Some of them, such as Streptococcus mutans, Actinomycetes, Lactobacillus, etc., have the ability to produce chemicals that are harmful to teeth. Teeth are very hard, and the wear and tear of chewing food causes very little consumption on them, but these chemicals can gradually decompose and destroy them in a short period of time. Therefore, cariogenic bacteria are essential for the formation of dental caries. Bacteria form a thin film on the surface of teeth, which is medically called dental plaque. Bacteria use dental plaque as a base to attack teeth.

2. Sugary foods

Bacteria need raw materials to produce chemicals that are harmful to teeth, and these raw materials are provided by sugars in food. Food is like a double-edged sword for teeth. On the one hand, food provides nutrition to the body, making teeth stronger and enhancing their resistance to tooth decay. On the other hand, some of the sugars contained in food remain in the mouth after chewing and swallowing, and are used by cariogenic bacteria to produce substances that are corrosive to teeth, thereby destroying the hard tissue of the teeth and leading to the occurrence of tooth decay.

3. Tooth calcification level

Teeth are very hard, but due to genetic, nutritional and other factors, the level of calcification during tooth development is different. People with low levels of tooth calcification have uneven tooth surfaces and a relatively weak enamel layer that is easily damaged. In addition, uneven teeth arrangement and food residues are easily retained, which is also a predisposing factor for tooth decay.