Gum disease and tooth decay can be a major problem and a cause of bad breath.  When the bacteria in your mouth infect the tissue surrounding your teeth it can form periodontal pockets which are often so deep that a person cannot effectively cleanse them.

To maintain a good oral hygiene you need to have regular dental checkups with your dentist and a hygienist who is able to advise you on how to maintain a daily routine. It is important to clean your teeth regularly using dental floss. It is also vital to use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist or pharmacist. Dentists also recommend that you change your toothbrush at least every 3 months, so make sure your tooth brush is not old with flattened bristles as they won’t be able to do a good job. You should visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year and have your teeth cleaned as required.

The enamel that covers the surface of your teeth is irreplaceable. It is damaged by bacteria and sugar forming acid which literally eats into your teeth so it is important that you protect your teeth from tooth decay by regularly cleaning your teeth.

Let’s look at some causes of tooth decay.

A tooth is made up of three parts:

enamel – the hard outer coating of a tooth
dentine – the softer, bone-like material underneath the enamel
pulp – the soft centre of the tooth that contains the 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 that is high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy), the bacteria in plaque turns the carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time. Over time, the acid in plaque begins to break down the surface of your tooth. The plaque will first start to erode the enamel.

Over time, a small hole known as a cavity can develop on the surface. 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, the plaque and bacteria will then enter the pulp. At this stage, your nerves will be exposed to the bacteria, making your tooth very painful. The bacteria can also infect the tissue within the pulp, causing a dental abscess.

Risk factors for tooth decay

There are a number of identified risk factors for tooth decay, which are outlined:

Diet - Consuming food and drink that is high in carbohydrates 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.

Smoking - Smokers have a higher chance of developing tooth decay as the tobacco smoke interferes with the production of saliva, which helps to keep the surface of your teeth clean. Studies have also shown that passive smoking can also be a risk factor, particularly for children.

Dry mouth - People who have lower levels of saliva in their mouth are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, because saliva helps to keep the surface of your teeth clean. If you are taking a medicine or receiving a treatment that is known to cause dry mouth, drink plenty of water and make sure you have a good oral hygiene routine.

Eating disorders - Both anorexia and bulimia can increase the risk of tooth decay. Anorexia can decrease your production of saliva, while the vomiting associated with bulimia can expose your teeth to corrosive stomach acids.

For more information on dental hygiene and tooth decay visit:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dental-decay