The causes of tooth decay

The etiology of dental caries is complex and depends on many factors. The nutritional status, dental hygiene, fluoride exposure, dietary habits, heredity, socioeconomic status, general health and drug use may play a role.

However, we know that there is a direct link between diet and dental caries. All fermentable carbohydrates, including starches and sugars, can cause the formation of cavities. In the mouth, the starch is broken down into sugars by amylase in saliva. The bacteria in plaque found on the surface of the teeth convert sugars into organic acids. In return, these acids decrease the pH of dental plaque. Even if the tooth enamel is usually quite hard and resistant to wear, it is slightly soluble in acidic media. Therefore, the presence of organic acids that tooth enamel begins to dissolve or to demineralize. The higher the pH remains long at a low level or acid, the more the risk of enamel erosion.

The surfaces of the teeth are continuously attacked by acid and then repaired with the action of saliva. Saliva contains many elements that will help protect teeth against erosion, including calcium and phosphate, fluoride, buffers and antimicrobial agents. It is used to neutralize acids, to dilute the sugars in food and repair the surfaces of the teeth by the remineralisation. Unfortunately, this normal process is very slow. Thus, if the demineralization of enamel is faster than remineralisation, cavities appear on the teeth.

The frequency and severity of attacks on the tooth surface can be explained by several factors. For example, "nibble" of food or sip drinks for long periods increases the exposure of bacteria to fermentable carbohydrates and thus causing the exposure of teeth to acids. In the same way, foods that stick to teeth cause greater exposure to acid as they remain in the mouth longer. With regard to other factors, stress the quantity and virulence of bacteria, quantity and composition of saliva, teeth inherent resistance to acids and the type of food consumed.