Studies show that tooth decay, second to the common cold is the most prevalent dental disease in the Philippines.  According to a researcher, the progressive destructive disease primarily affects children and young adults, but continues as a problem throughout adult life.  As people keep their teeth longer, their gums recede, and the root surface becomes exposed.  This surface, covered by cementum rather than enamel, is very vulnerable to decay.  Caries is a bacterial disease.  In humans, indirect evidences show that it can be transmitted from parent to children through kissing or using infected utensils.

According to a researcher, caries results from an interplay of forces: specific bacteria, a pre-disposing dietary intake, and a susceptible tooth surface.  The offending bacteria ate a part of plaque.  The plaque bacterial use sugar as their main source of energy.  It liberate a variety of acids in the course of metabolizing this energy.  Some of this acids are strong enough to dissolved the very substance of the tooth; the teeth become victims of their own-environmental pollution.

            Hidden caries

Different kinds of sugars such as sucrose, glucose, maltose, or lactose can fill the energy needs of a plaque bacteria and lead to the formation of plaque acids.  Starch which is converted to maltose and glucose by enzymes in the mouth can cause tooth decay.  Sucrose is the most conducive to tooth decays says a medical doctor.

             Let  a doctor check your cavities

There is a tendency to equate tooth decay with cavities.  Each time that sugar is ingested, the plaque bacteria produce acid.  After the sugar is taken the greatest damage is done within the first twenty minutes.  Repeated cycles of acid generation will in no time usually within one to two years cause the first visible signs of caries: an opaque white or brown spot on the surface of the enamel.  Later, the surface breaks down and becomes roughened and stained.

Studies show that as soon as the bacteria have broken through the enamel, they invade the dentin that lies beneath it and spread into it.  It is because of this that a large cavity will appear quite small on the surface.  The fracture or cavity is now visible.  As the bacteria and their products pass deep into the tooth through the tiny tubules in the dentin, pain is experienced- especially when sweets foods or cold or hot liquids are consumed.

             Tooth decay is painful

The bacteria and their irritant products inflame the pulp tissue, causing more pain.  Rampant infection and impaired blood supply combine to cause the pulp to die.  Unless the infection is treated quickly, the pulp may recuperate.

The death of the pulp is the death of the tooth.  Until the tooth abscesses perhaps several years later.  An abscess forms when the bacteria and their products pass out of the end of the root canal into the surrounding bone and soft tissue.  There is often persistent, throbbing pain when the blood vessels in these tissues become inflamed and infected; that's why the tooth becomes extremely sensitive to pressure and touch.

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