What really causes tooth decay?

Category: Dental health · 21 February 2019

We all know that sugar is the main culprit when it comes to holes in our teeth. But plaque and tooth decay don’t form after just one sugary meal. A combination of different factors – including diet, saliva quality and the pH of the mouth – can encourage them to develop.

Plaque formation and acids

Plaque is the cause of tooth decay and periodontitis. It forms when bacteria in the mouth combine with proteins in saliva and with food debris and stick to the teeth. These bacteria feed on the sugar molecules in food and leave harmful acids on the teeth.

If these acid attacks are allowed to act on a tooth for too long, the calcium in the tooth enamel slowly breaks down. Over time, this can lead to holes in the tooth structure and decay in the enamel and dentine layers.

Put simply, bacteria “eat away” at the tooth structure and break it down, causing tooth decay.

However, there are several ways to put a stop to this destructive process.

Firstly: a healthy, fresh diet consisting mainly of foods such as vegetables, salads, low-fat animal proteins and mineral-rich dairy products (such as hard cheese). This reduces the likelihood of the “bad” bacteria getting the upper hand.

Acidic foods such as limes, lemons and grapefruit can also cause dental erosion. However, these foods are healthy and good for the body. It’s best to find out for yourself how well your teeth tolerate them.

Avoid sugar, avoid tooth decay?

You can protect your tooth enamel by eating and drinking the right way. If you drink sugary fizzy drinks, you shouldn’t take a sip every few minutes over a longer period, as this creates a constant supply of sugar for the bacteria that cause decay. It’s also gentler on your teeth if you don’t keep nibbling on sweet things but enjoy your portion all at once.

For these reasons, it’s important that we are aware of all the sources of sugar in our diet. It’s not just about “sweet” sugar, but about everything the body converts into sugar – including bread, pasta and long-chain carbohydrates.

The role of saliva quality in the mouth

Damage to your teeth is less likely if you are well hydrated. Saliva acts as a buffer between the teeth and the bacteria left behind after eating.

A dry mouth, caused by mouth breathing or certain physical conditions, can disrupt the mouth’s natural remineralisation process.

Thirdly: the right oral hygiene

You interrupt a nasty acid attack every time you stop plaque from sticking: brushing your teeth, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or chewing sugar-free gum all help; using dental floss to remove food debris thoroughly also helps prevent tooth decay.

Are there foods that prevent tooth decay?

Some people believe that chewing “hard” foods such as apples and carrots prevents plaque from forming. However, these foods also contain sugar. That’s why this idea is no substitute for good dental hygiene.

Conclusion: the wrong foods cause tooth decay

Eating foods that lead to strong bacterial growth and ultimately to acid attacks on your teeth is one of the main causes of tooth decay. An equally important factor is the flow of saliva in your mouth. Make sure you drink enough to reduce this risk factor effectively.

You might also be interested in:

Back to Tips & Tricks