Tuesdays with the Team

What Causes Tooth Decay, aka Cavities?

To understand this subject, you need to understand where decay can occur. There are three places: on the smooth surfaces of the teeth, between the teeth (interproximal), and in the pits.

Smooth surfaces of teeth are significantly effected by brushing. Interproximal decay is out of the reach of the toothbrush, but can be reached by using dental floss. The pits of the teeth are created by deep grooves that occur naturally. The pits attract microscopic food particles and bacteria and are very prone to cavities.

Bacteria in plaque metabolize the foods that you eat, and then convert it to acids that attack the surfaces of your teeth, causing decay. Your body has natural defenses against cavities. Your saliva has minerals in it that your body uses to repair the spots attacked by the plaque’s acid. It is only when the rate of attack exceeds the rate of repair that you get decay.

So, how do you prevent cavities?

1. Brushing helps prevent smooth surface decay, and decay in the pit areas of your teeth. If you remove the plaque right after eating, it halts the acid attack. A Sonicare toothbrush is the ideal toothbrush to use. Research shows that a Sonicare toothbrush removes up to 7x more plaque that a manual toothbrush.
2. Flossing helps prevent the cavities between teeth.
3. Fluoride strengthens the teeth on all surfaces to better resist decay.

Read More from Tuesdays with the Team!