What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?

Food debris + saliva = plaque tartar + acids in plaque = cavities or tooth decay.

A number of micro-organisms are present in our mouth. Bacteria are commonest among them. Enzymes produced by these bacteria convert all foods-especially sugar and starch into acids.

Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth.

Plaque that is not removed from the teeth becomes a hard substance called tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums. The acids in plaque can dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities).

Published on Nov 12, 2014
Last Updated on Nov 12, 2014

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APA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2014, November 12). What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?. Medindia. Retrieved on May 20, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-tooth-decay.htm.
MLA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. "What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?". Medindia. May 20, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-tooth-decay.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-tooth-decay.htm. (accessed May 20, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2021. What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?. Medindia, viewed May 20, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-tooth-decay.htm.