The Science Behind Cavity Formation
Dental caries, or more commonly known as cavities, have remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Cavities affect people of all ages, but they disproportionately impact communities with lower socioeconomic status.
But how exactly do cavities form?
Cavities form from factors such as the bacteria in one’s mouth, one’s diet and lifestyle, and one’s oral hygiene habits. The primary factor behind the formation of a cavity is the presence of specific bacteria such as streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. When these bacteria break down sugar from food particles that remain on the surface of the teeth after a meal.
However, as these bacteria break down sugar, acid is produced from them that erodes enamel (the surface of the tooth). When the enamel is broken down enough, this can result in the painful holes in our teeth that we call cavities. Enamel is not able to grow back after it is damaged. And if cavities are left untreated, the decay can penetrate even deeper into the tooth, reaching inner layers such as dentin and pulp, which can lead to a plethora of conditions such as infection or tooth loss.
Understanding the science behind cavities highlights the importance of preventative methods. When we brush our teeth, we are getting rid of the food particles that the acid producing bacteria feed on. This is also why flossing is very important, as it is able to remove the food particles in between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. Maintaining these steps in oral hygiene can make a big difference in preventing cavities.
Sources:
Forssten, Sofia D., et al. “Streptococcus Mutans, Caries and Simulation Models.” Nutrients, vol. 2, no. 3, Mar. 2010, p. 290. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030290.
“Overview: Tooth Decay.” InformedHealth.Org [Internet], Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279514/.
Santini, Milagros. “Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?” Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 25 Nov. 2022, https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/pediatric-dental-faq/.