The main cause of tooth decay is frequent consumption of sugars in drinks and foods. The sugar is eaten by bacteria found in plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a white soft sticky substance. It forms on teeth and causes a furry feeling. It can often build up in between teeth and at the gum line and turn into calculus (tartar) if left for long enough.
When you eat, the bacteria in plaque eat as well producing acids which can dissolve the minerals which make up the tooth and result in a hole (cavity), which is the process of decay. If left untreated, this can result in pain and a possible abscess. |
