tooth decay / cavities / dental caries

Cavity prone years: Adults Adults too, even after a long period of having little or no difficulties with tooth decay, can go through a renewed period where the formation of cavities becomes a significant problem. As the contents of this page describe, this reoccurrence of "cavity prone years" is often directly related to: The presence of gum recession. Changes in a person's saliva.

Tooth Decay, Cavities,    & Dental Caries : Page 1 What is tooth decay? Page 2 How does tooth decay form? Page 3 How long does it take a cavity to form? Page 4 How does fluoride help to prevent tooth decay? Page 5 Tooth decay and children. Page 6 Tooth decay and adults.

Why is it that tooth decay can form easily on a tooth's root surface? The formation of tooth decay on the root surface of a tooth is partially related to tooth anatomy. A tooth's enamel covering ends at about that level where the tooth emerges from the gum line. The root portion of a tooth is not composed of or covered over by dental enamel but instead is mostly comprised of another mineralized tooth tissue termed "dentin". Dentin contains less mineral content than enamel does and therefore is more easily eroded away by the demineralization process (tooth decay formation). In any location where gum recession has occurred a tooth's root will be exposed. Because the root surface of a tooth is relatively "soft" (as compared to dental enamel) and because it is quite common that the exposed surfaces of the tooth's root are hard to clean effectively (and thus dental plaque is continually present) decay can form easily, thus putting a person through another set of "cavity prone years".

What can cause gum recession? Gum recession can occur as a result a variety of situations. It can be localized to just a few teeth or else be generalized condition. Many times, as a person passes through the decades of life, multiple factors come into play, each of which add to, cumulatively, to the amount of gum recession which is present. This is a reason why gum recession is often associated with adulthood, especially senior citizens. Some conditions and habits which can lead to gum recession are: Gum disease (periodontal disease) and those procedures required for its treatment can cause gum recession. Gum disease is typically associated with the accumulation and persistence of dental plaque (resultant of lax tooth brushing and flossing habits). Improper or over zealous tooth brushing can cause gum recession. Brushing too forcefully or brushing back and forth with a "sawing" motion can cause damage. Bruxism (excessive tooth grinding and clenching) can produce changes in teeth that result in the recession of the gum line.

How does saliva help to prevent tooth decay? Saliva plays a very important role in process of fighting tooth decay. Here is a list of some of the benefits saliva provides: Saliva contains buffering agents that can neutralize the acid created by the bacteria that inhabit dental plaque and cause tooth demineralization (tooth decay). Saliva contains the minerals that must be present for the tooth remineralization process to occur. Saliva contains antibacterial agents that can inhibit the proliferation of oral bacteria.

What can cause xerostomia (a reduction of saliva)? Any alteration in the quantity or quality of one's saliva will reduce those benefits saliva provides. The presence of xerostomia, which refers to a state of diminished salivary flow, can tip the balance between tooth demineralization and remineralization in favor of tooth decay formation. Possibly you have noticed that when you first wake your mouth seems dry and stale. This is because as we sleep our bodies curtail the amount of saliva our salivary glands produce. (Hopefully knowing this will, as a means of reducing your potential for tooth decay, motivate you to thoroughly brush and floss before turning in to bed.) Beyond this temporary mouth dryness, some people will notice that they have chronically dry mouths. A reason for this can be related to a person's age. With increasing age our salivary glands tend to work less effectively, and the composition of our saliva can change also. Both of these factors can lessen the anti-cavity effect of saliva and put us more at risk for tooth decay. Xerostomia can also be a side effect of the medication a person is taking. Antihistamines (allergy and cold medications), antidepressants, blood pressure agents, diuretics, narcotics, and anti-anxiety medications are each known to produce mouth dryness.

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