How does bacteria dissolve the enamel?

How does bacteria dissolve the enamel?

The bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids. Bacteria, acid, food and saliva mix to form plaque. This sticky substance coats the teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or holes.

How do bacteria destroy teeth?

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is an infection, usually bacterial in origin, that causes demineralization of the hard tissues (enamel, dentin, and cementum ) and destruction of the organic matter of the tooth, usually by production of acid by hydrolysis of the food debris accumulated on the tooth …

How does sugar break down enamel?

When sugar is consumed it interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid [1]. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth.

Which bacteria is responsible for tooth decay?

Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental decay. Various lactobacilli are associated with progression of the lesion.

What does bacteria do to your teeth?

These bacteria feed on the sugars in the food and drinks we consume and leave behind waste or plaque. And the bacteria that are attracted to sugar turn it into acid, which can lead to decay on the surface of your teeth and lead to plaque development.

What causes bacteria in teeth?

When sugars and starches aren’t cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria.

How tooth enamel is damaged by chocolates and sweets?

Whenever you eat or drink anything sugary, the bacteria inside your mouth work to break it down. However, they produce acid in the process. Acid destroys the tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay over time.

Should you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth?

After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. This dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.

What causes bacteria in your teeth?

When sugars and starches aren’t cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria. Plaque attacks.

What is tooth enamel?

Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. This tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown which is the part of the tooth that’s visible outside of the gums. Because enamel is translucent, you can see light through it.

How do you protect tooth enamel?

How to Keep Your Tooth Enamel Strong

1. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks.
2. Eat Foods That Protect Enamel.
3. Avoid Over-Brushing.
4. Use Fluoride.
5. Treat Heartburn and Eating Disorders.
6. Beware of Chlorinated Pools.
7. Watch Out for Dry Mouth.
8. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth.

What happens to your teeth when enamel breaks down?

In cases where to the tooth enamel breaks down, there are conditions that hinder the replenishing, nourishing and strengthening of the tooth enamel. When tooth enamel break down occurs, the tooth becomes susceptible to various oral health issues including tooth decay and gum disease.

How does the bacteria in your mouth affect your teeth?

When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Oral bacteria form a substance called dental plaque on the teeth.

How are acids produced by bacteria cause cavities?

Acid-producing bacteria thrive on certain types of foods, called fermentable carbohydrates, which include sugars and cooked complex carbohydrates or starches. If plaque is not brushed off the teeth, the acids produced by the bacteria in the plaque break down the hard, protective tooth enamel, causing tooth decay, or cavities.

How is tooth decay caused by bacterial fermentation?

Tooth decay results from the production of acid by bacterial fermentation of the food debris accumulated on the tooth surface. Bacteria occupy the ecological niche provided by both the tooth surface and gingival epithelium.