Tooth
decay is caused over time by plaque forming on your teeth. There are several
risk factors which increase the chances of this happening.
A
tooth is made up of three parts:emergency dental services Brooklyn
enamel
– the hard outer coating of a tooth dentine
– the softer, bone-like material underneath the enamel pulp –
the soft center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels How
dental decay develops
Your
mouth is full of bacteria, which combine with small food particles and saliva
to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth.
When you
consume food and drink high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy), the bacteria
in plaque turn the carbohydrates into energy they need, producing acid at the
same time.Over
time, the acid in plaque begins to break down the surface of your tooth.emergency dental services BrooklynThe plaque
will first start to erode the enamel. Over time, a small hole known as a cavity
can develop on the surface. This will cause toothache.Once
cavities have formed in the enamel, the plaque and bacteria can reach the
dentine. As the dentine is softer than the enamel, the process of tooth decay
speeds up.Without
treatment, plaque and bacteria will enter the pulp. At this stage, your nerves
will be exposed to bacteria, making your tooth very painful. The bacteria can
also infect tissue within the pulp, causing a dental abscess.Tooth
decay typically occurs in teeth at the back of your mouth, known as molars and
premolars. These are large flat teeth used to chew food.emergency dental services Brooklyn Due to their size and
shape, it is easy for particles of food to get stuck on and in between these
teeth. They are also harder to clean properly.It is
more common for a front tooth to be affected by tooth decay when it is touching
another tooth alongside it.Increased
risk of tooth decay Factors
that increase your risk of tooth decay include:Diet Eating
food and drink high in carbohydrates, particularly between meals, will increase
your risk of tooth decay.Tooth
decay is often associated with sweet and sticky food and drink, such as
chocolate, sweets, sugar and fizzy drinks. Starchy food, such as crisps, white
bread, pretzels and biscuits also contain high levels of carbohydrates.Poor
oral hygiene If you
do not regularly brush your teeth, you are at a higher risk of tooth decay. You
should brush your teeth at least twice a day.Read
more about how to keep your teeth clean.emergency dental services Brooklyn
