What is Tooth Decay
- Dr. Andrew Zerbinopoulos
- Mar 1, 2022
- 1 min read
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is caused by a bacterial infection. This bacteria is transmissible from parent to child, among siblings, or anyone sharing food and drink.
The bacteria colonize the mouth and with the formation of plaques, adhere to the teeth. Plaque is the byproduct of food which forms the soft, sticky film on our teeth. This advanced bacterial plaque breaks down sugars and produces lactic acids, which cause tooth decay, a process of demineralization or loss of tooth structure. As a result, the tooth weakens and eventually forms a hole and breaks through the tooth which is known as a “cavity”.
Besides brushing, flossing and proper oral hygiene, the three best prevention measures we have against cavity formation are sealants, fluoride, and balanced healthy nutrition.
Have more questions? Give us a call or book an appointment online by clicking the link below!
Phone: (904)373-7628 Email: office@pmdentistry.com Click the link below to schedule an appointment: www.bit.ly/pmdentistrybook
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