Why do teeth rot?

Question

My sisters teeth get cavities so easily. She barely ever eats any sugar and her teeth get brushed two times a day. She eats very healthy. Does anyone know why they are so bad, like, what could cause it?

Answer 1

I went to the dentist for the first time in 20 years last year.

I have never had a cavity.

I would have to say it is genetics....though I think those Flouride rinses we used to have to do in Elementary School didn't hurt!

Answer 2

Teeth have a coating called "enamel". This is what protects your teeth from acids. Acids form not only from sugars, but also starches and other types. Some people have stronger enamel than other people. This is genetic and can't be reversed. All she can do is continue with her current teeth care, talk with her dentist, as he/she might have recommendations. I know my brother uses a product called" Gel-Kam", and his cavities dropped significantly. It is a fluoride gel you brush in before bed. It can be purchased over-the-counter at Walmart.

Answer 3

Teeth can build up bacteria that secrete acids and rot the teeth. your sister may just also have soft teeth or a thin enamel on her teeth, thus making them prone to decay.....There are sealants out there now that are applied to teeth by a dentist to add protection from decay.
She may also have a poor diet and lacking calcium and phosphorous which are essential to build healthy bone.

Answer 4

Well, It might be that she brushes her teeth, but doesn't get all the chewed food out. Even heathy food like carrots can make your teeth rot from the acids buliding up. I don't know anyhting else.... Check with a dentist.

Answer 5

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!" So you do - you open your mouth and show your teeth. When you see the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier those teeth are, the happier you look. Why is that?

It's because your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them, they'll help take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right foods to help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best.

Why Healthy Teeth Are Important
How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: plak), which is a clear film that sticks to your teeth. The film itself might not sound so bad, but it's very sticky, and it acts like a magnet for bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) and sugar.


Like ants at a picnic, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, breaking it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-juh-vi-tis), which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.

If you don't take care of your teeth, it won't be long before cavities and unhealthy gums make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.

Before Toothpaste Was Invented
We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our teeth. Long ago, as people got older, their teeth would rot away and be very painful. To get rid of a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out. Finally people learned that cleaning their teeth was important, but they didn't have toothpaste right away. While you're swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, think about what people used long ago to clean teeth:

ground-up chalk or charcoal
lemon juice
ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
tobacco and honey mixed together
Yuck!

It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush! Tooth brushing became popular during World War II. The U.S. Army gave brushes and toothpaste to all soldiers, and they learned to brush twice a day. Back then, toothpaste tubes were made of metal; today they're made of soft plastic and are much easier to squeeze!

Today there are plenty of toothpaste choices: lots of colors and flavors to choose from, and some brands are made just for kids. People with great-looking teeth advertise toothpaste on TV commercials and in magazines. When you're choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride makes your teeth strong and protects them from cavities. When you brush, you don't need a lot of toothpaste: just squeeze out a bit the size of a pea. It's not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, either, so be sure to rinse and spit after brushing.

How You Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Kids can take charge of their teeth by taking these steps:

Brush at least twice a day - after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back. Brush away from your gums.
Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time.
Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package will tell you if they're soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it's time to change them.
Learn how to floss your teeth, which is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon you'll be a pro. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and up along the gum line. The floss gets rid of food that's hidden where your toothbrush can't get it, no matter how well you brush.
It's also important to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean, and he or she can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.

It's not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy - you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. And don't forget to smile!

Answer 6

you caneven have sugar in your saliva that can cause cavities. And you can brush all day long, if your not doing it right, it doesn't work.

Answer 7

maybe shes not getting enough floride..acid in certain foods can waste away the enamel on the tooth, therefor causeing it to weaken and rot away..Perhaps she should ask her dentist why..my cavitys were pepsi and candy

Answer 8

Because we don't take care of them and all the stuff that we eat like candy can rot your teeth.

Answer 9

Some people have acidic systems. An acidic system causes more cavities. If your mouth is alkaline, you get mouth sores but few cavities.

Answer 10

they rot when people dont take care of them, eating alot of junk food and not going to the dentist to get them cleaned.