{"id":25033,"date":"2024-10-16T09:16:02","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T06:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/?p=25033"},"modified":"2024-10-16T14:21:37","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T11:21:37","slug":"why-do-teeth-decay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Teeth Decay?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our teeth are not just for eating; they maintain facial aesthetics and play a crucial role in clear speech, digestion, and overall health. Learning how to protect these valuable structures is the first step toward improving your overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For in-depth insights into the causes of tooth decay and how to prevent it, stay with us till the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" >Inhaltsverzeichnis<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Inhaltsverzeichnis ein-\/ausblenden\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Umschalten<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Tooth_Decay_What_is_It\" title=\"Tooth Decay What is It?\">Tooth Decay What is It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Why_Do_Teeth_Decay\" title=\"Why Do Teeth Decay?\">Why Do Teeth Decay?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Bacteria\" title=\"Bacteria\">Bacteria<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Erosion\" title=\"Erosion\">Erosion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Plaque_Formation\" title=\"Plaque Formation\">Plaque Formation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#What_Are_The_Risk_Factors_For_Tooth_Decay\" title=\"What Are The Risk Factors For Tooth Decay?\">What Are The Risk Factors For Tooth Decay?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Genetic_Predisposition\" title=\"Genetic Predisposition\">Genetic Predisposition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Oral_and_Gut_Health\" title=\"Oral and Gut Health\">Oral and Gut Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Oral_Hygiene\" title=\"Oral Hygiene\">Oral Hygiene<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Diet_Choices\" title=\"Diet Choices\">Diet Choices<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#What_Are_The_Stages_Of_Teeth_Decay\" title=\"What Are The Stages Of Teeth Decay?\">What Are The Stages Of Teeth Decay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#What_Are_The_Symptoms_Of_Teeth_Decay\" title=\"What Are The Symptoms Of Teeth Decay?\">What Are The Symptoms Of Teeth Decay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#What_Are_the_Common_Sites_for_Tooth_Decay\" title=\"What Are the Common Sites for Tooth Decay?\">What Are the Common Sites for Tooth Decay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#Can_You_Stop_Tooth_Decay\" title=\"Can You Stop Tooth Decay?\">Can You Stop Tooth Decay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/blog\/why-do-teeth-decay\/#How_to_Prevent_Teeth_from_Decaying\" title=\"How to Prevent Teeth from Decaying?\">How to Prevent Teeth from Decaying?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tooth_Decay_What_is_It\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth Decay: What is It?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or cavities. A cavity is a hole in the tooth due to a weakness in its structural integrity. There are many reasons for decaying teeth, such as bacteria, acid, improper hygiene, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental cavities fall into three categories: smooth surface cavities, pit and fissure decay, and dental root decay. Dental decay is very prevalent in children because of improper brushing, though adults get caries or cavities as well. A higher prevalence of receding gums in adults exposes the tooth root to plaque formation, thus leading to tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Teeth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do Teeth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common causes of decaying teeth include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bacteria\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacteria<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating sugary foods promotes oral bacterial growth. Bacteria convert the carbohydrates in these foods to acid, leading to enamel damage and tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Erosion\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erosion<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness of the dental enamel due to improper flossing or brushing, teeth grinding, exposure to acidic foods, etc. promotes erosion and decay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plaque_Formation\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaque Formation<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaque is the yellow or white sticky stuff on your teeth that promotes decay. Its formation results from a mixture of food, saliva, bacteria, and acid in the oral cavity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Risk_Factors_For_Tooth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are The Risk Factors For Tooth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although anyone can have dental caries, some people are more prone to decaying teeth than others. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genetic_Predisposition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genetic Predisposition<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research suggests that approximately 60% of tooth decay is due to genetic features, such as enamel strength, oral bacteria levels, oral pH, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oral_and_Gut_Health\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral and Gut Health<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with lower saliva concentration and dry mouth or suffering from stomach issues (gastritis) are more prone to developing cavities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oral_Hygiene\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral Hygiene<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor oral hygiene practices are a well-known risk factor for developing dental decay. This is why children are more prone to tooth decay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diet_Choices\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet Choices<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A diet high in sugar, carbonated drinks, and sweet drinks promotes oral bacterial growth and plaque formation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Stages_Of_Teeth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are The Stages Of Teeth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decaying teeth undergo five stages. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Demineralization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Small, chalky spots appear on the dental enamel due to loss of minerals. These are signs of the early stage of tooth decay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enamel Damage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Left untreated, demineralization leads to the formation of holes (cavities) in the tooth surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dentin Damage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Holes in the enamel allow plaque and bacteria to access the soft dentin, causing sensitivity and black teeth to decay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pulp Decay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: When the tooth decay reaches the pulp (innermost part of the tooth), it causes pain, discomfort, and gum swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dental Abscess<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Untreated tooth decay can cause infection and abscess formation, which eventually lead to irreversible damage of the tooth root.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Symptoms_Of_Teeth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are The Symptoms Of Teeth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with decaying teeth may experience symptoms such as discoloration or spots, sensitivity, toothache, facial swelling, bad breath, and swollen or bleeding gums and jaws.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Common_Sites_for_Tooth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the Common Sites for Tooth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decaying teeth commonly include the back teeth (molars and premolars). This is because of the rough structure and ridges of these teeth. Food is more likely to get stuck in the molar teeth, resulting in decay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, the wisdom teeth (3rd molars) due to their location and the tendency to get impacted are highly susceptible to cavity formation. It is also very difficult to properly clean wisdom teeth and maintain dental hygiene.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The front teeth decay or cavities occur less frequently compared to the back teeth. Cavities in the front teeth are usually a result of grinding, trauma, medications, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Stop_Tooth_Decay\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can You Stop Tooth Decay?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the very early stages of the decay process (demineralization stage), it may be possible to stop or even reverse tooth decay. The enamel has the tendency to repair itself by obtaining the minerals from saliva and other external sources (toothpaste).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the demineralization progresses to advanced stages or a cavity reaches the dentin, a visit to the dentist is advisable for repair and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_Teeth_from_Decaying\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Prevent Teeth from Decaying?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can prevent tooth decay and ensure healthy teeth by:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain oral hygiene by regular brushing and flossing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat a well-balanced diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid carbonated drinks and sugary foods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoridated water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid excess junk food or packaged food (hidden sugars).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain hydration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chew sugar-free gum to maintain saliva levels after eating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult a physician for any health conditions or medications causing dry mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By incorporating these practices in your daily life, you can preserve your teeth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our teeth are not just for eating; they maintain facial aesthetics and play a crucial role in clear speech, digestion, and overall health. Learning how to protect these valuable structures is the first step toward improving your overall well-being. For in-depth insights into the causes of tooth decay and how to prevent it, stay with [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25033"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25033"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25033\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25034,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25033\/revisions\/25034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25033"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estecenter.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}