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Tooth decay is dependent on 3
factors in your mouth:
- Bacteria in your mouth
and saliva
- The hardness of the
surface of your tooth
- Food debris remaining in
your mouth
The combination of food and bacteria from your saliva start
your digestion the minute food enters your mouth. The bacteria starts to
break down complex sugars into simple sugars. When this breakdown occurs,
acid is produced as a byproduct. If this acid remains on your tooth for a
long time it begins to soften the enamel surface. The longer it remains on
your tooth the more it softens the tooth. This is why it is important to
brush after eating. If left on the tooth for a long time, eventually the
acid eats thru the hard outer surface of the tooth (enamel) and enters the
internal part of the tooth (dentin).
  
The inside of the tooth is dentin. Dentin is much softer than
the enamel and once inside the tooth the acids eats into the dentin
quickly. If left unchecked the decay will soon enter the internal life
support system of the tooth (pulp) where the blood vessels and nerve of the
tooth are located. If bacteria enters the pulp an abscess
may result.
If a cavity is detected early a filling
can be used to correct the problem. A larger cavity may require an inlay or a crown to repair
the tooth. If an abscess should occur the tooth will require a root canal before the inlay
or crown can be made for the tooth.
Cavities usually start in the minute irregular surfaces of
your tooth. The grooves and irregular surfaces of the tooth catch minute
particles of food and bacteria. Sealants can
sometimes be placed to protect these irregular surfaces. Cavities also
start in between the teeth where two surfaces touch together, because again
this area holds food and bacteria. Cavities also start under old fillings
when, after time, these fillings begin to allow bacteria to seep between
the tooth surface and the old filling.
Cavities can be detected by visual examination of
the tooth and by x-rays to see in between the teeth
and under old fillings
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