I know not brushing them and eating sweets causes it.....i was talking to my friend which goes to dental school...and she throu that question at me....iwas going to answer...not brushing them and eating sweets! But it seemed like she was going to say no...its part of it but it seemed like she was going add to it!Is there another cause
2007-05-04 08:32:55 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
The actual bacteria that causes dental decay is called "Streptacoccus mutans". Sugar and food acids feed the bacteria and cause it to destroy the mineral content in the teeth, causing the tooth to break down and cavitate.
2007-05-05 18:38:27 · answer #1 · answered by Tique AM VA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the waste of the bacteria (gross I know) in the mouth which is acidic, and eats through the enamel of the teeth. The best way I have found to counteract this, is to pre-rinse with an alcohol based mouthwash like "Listerine" OR a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide diluted in a 4ounce bathroom cup of water (which kills the bacteria before you brush) Then brush with a baking soda/fluoride toothpaste like "Arm and Hammer" ( the baking soda neutralizes the acid). Also a good idea to rinse and brush the same way in the morning since the bacteria had all night to do their damage. Prior to this, I used regular (non baking soda) fluoride toothpaste like "Crest" and had cavities all the time. Since using this method (for about 18 years now) I haven't had a single cavity!
2007-05-04 16:02:52 · answer #2 · answered by MI Lighthouse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are caused by plaque building up due to neglect of brushing. Sweets, soda, smoking, etc simply accelerate the process along. The best ways to avoid is brush after every meal (yes..lunch too!), floss every day, and use a mouthwash. Get your teeth cleaned by a pro every six months, it's like a domino effect.
- Dave (Delta Dental)
2007-05-04 16:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by Dave R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is bacteria that sits on teeth and eats away the enamel. Sugar makes it worse because like most sugars, organisms eat it and thrive on it.
Other causes that can make cavaties worse include:
1) Not brushing or flossing
2) Not cleaning your tongue where bacteria can live and get on teeth later
3) Sleeping with your mouth open
4) Eating a lot of citric acides which can weaken enamel on teeth over time
Brushing and flossing can get most of the bacteria, but it is also recommended that you use mouthwash like Listerine to help fight plaque and other bacteria below the gumline.
2007-05-04 15:49:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont kniow I buy everything to take care of my mouth and still had a cavity last year... I think its luck...
2007-05-04 17:06:26 · answer #5 · answered by whatstha'bizness 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't floss you will get interproximal cavities (cavities between the teeth).
2007-05-04 15:46:17 · answer #6 · answered by Rachel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CERTAIN BACTERIA LEFT W/O BRUSHING.
2007-05-04 15:42:14 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋