Tooth decay

Tooth decay is the result of a complex process in which bacteria present in the oral cavity play the main role. When you consume foods rich in sugars and carbohydrates, bacteria use them as a food source and produce acids as a byproduct of their breakdown. Sugar alone does not cause decay, but it creates ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria that produce acids responsible for damaging tooth enamel.
 
These acids gradually erode the enamel, the outermost and hardest layer of the tooth, making it porous and more vulnerable to further damage. In its early stages, tooth decay often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t cause pain. However, as the damage progresses, it penetrates the enamel and reaches the inner layers of the tooth.
 
The development of tooth decay can largely be prevented with consistent and thorough oral hygiene, which includes proper brushing, the use of dental floss, and regular dental check-ups.
 
Special attention should be given to the potential development of decay beneath dental fillings. Properly placed fillings protect the tooth from further deterioration, but it is important to regularly check their condition to prevent decay from forming underneath the filling.
 
Brushing your teeth regularly helps remove plaque and reduce the presence of bacteria, which effectively prevents the development of tooth decay.