To understand what happens when your tooth decays, it helps to understand what your mouth is naturally. Here are a few elements:
Saliva: Your mouth and teeth are constantly immersed in saliva. Although we have never given us a lot of thoughts to spit, the contribution of this simple liquid to the protection of our oral health is remarkable. Saliva can keep the teeth and other oral tissues moist and lubricated. After food, it can wash some of the remaining food particles, keep the oral acidity low, and prevent some viruses and bacteria.
Plaques: Plaques appear as mush-like substances that stick to the teeth and are a bit like jams stuck on a spoon. In fact, it is a colony of bacteria, protozoa, mycoplasma, yeast and viruses that clump together in gelled organic matter. The mixture also contains bacterial byproducts, white blood cells, food debris and body tissues. When bacteria attach to the teeth and begin to multiply, plaque can grow. Dental plaque begins to form immediately after tooth cleaning; it takes approximately one hour to reach measurable levels. Over time, different types of microorganisms appear and the plaque becomes thicker.
Calculus: If left alone long enough, the plaque begins to mineralize and harden into tartar or calculus because plaque absorbs calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals in saliva. These minerals form crystals and harden plaque structures. New plaque forms on existing dental calculus and this new layer may also become calcified.
Bacteria: There are many different strains of bacteria in our mouth. Some bacteria are good; they help control destructive bacteria. When it comes to rot, Streptococcus mutans is the most severely damaged bacterial strain. It easily adheres to teeth and produces acid.
