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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).
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can any one describe the process of tooth decay