Tooth decay occurs when the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth that makes up the visible part of the teeth, is destroyed due to the effect of acids that are generated when a thin coating forms on teeth and contains bacteria that breaks down sugar in the mouth. If left unattended, a cavity or hole in the tooth can eventually form. These holes can grow bigger over time and may even destroy the whole tooth if not properly treated. Causes of Tooth Decay: An essential part of preserving overall health and wellness involves the proper care of the teeth as well as avoiding the dreaded dental cavity. A dental cavity is the most common aftermath of tooth decay and could be a sign of poor oral health and hygiene. Major components causing tooth decay are: -Eating sugary sticky foods and beverages -Poor oral hygiene -Bacteria and acids -Dry mouth -Medical conditions and their treatment (for example, some kinds of cancer treatments that expose the body to radiation can change the makeup of the saliva, promoting increased bacterial growth)

Health-related conditions that show up in the mouth: Cavities are more prevalent among children but changes that occur with aging can make cavities form in the teeth of an adult person too. Adults also may use more medications that reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Other common diseases that cause tooth decay are: Diabetes- Those with diabetes are at higher risk for developing oral infections, gum disease and tooth decay. When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow. These bacteria combine with food to form plaque, eventually causing tooth decay. Anemia- Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells in the body and that impacts oral health. If the teeth do not get the nutrients they need because of anemia, they can suffer. They become more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Eating Disorders- Dietary habits do play a role in oral health. Changes in the mouth are often the first physical signs of an eating disorder. Chronic purging and the resulting presence of hydrochloric acid in the mouth can cause enamel erosion on teeth leading to tooth decay. Autoimmune Conditions- Autoimmune conditions are a family of diseases that involve the body attacking parts of itself. Oral signs are frequently the first manifestation of autoimmune diseases. Common autoimmune diseases which impact oral health, especially causing tooth decay are: -Sjögren syndrome affects salivary and lacrimal glands causing a reduction of the secretion activity (hyposalivation) and dryness in the mouth (xerostomia). -Lupus can affect your salivary glands and cause dry mouth. -Crohn's patients have reported an increase in tooth decay and a higher incidence of cavities as they have undergone treatment. -Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic immune mediated disorder, affecting skin and mucosa. The first signs of the disease arise in the oral mucosa as simple rashes to erosions, vesicles, blisters, or ulcers. Causing overall deterioration of oral hygiene and hence causing tooth decay.

Signs and Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of cavities vary depending on the extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the cavity gets larger it may cause signs and symptoms, such as- -Toothache -Spontaneous pain keeping you from sleeping -Inconsistent sharp pain without an obvious cause. -Grey, brown or black spots appearing on the teeth -Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth -Tooth sensitivity and pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold or sweet. These signs are usually associated with advanced tooth decay and therefore require immediate attention from an oral health care provider Diagnosis and Treatment: A quick and simple X-ray is all that a dentist needs to detect tooth decay. The treatment of tooth decay depends on how serious the condition is. For any early stage, the dentist tries to talk about the level of intake of sugar. In the night, applying fluoride gel or paste helps teeth by strengthening the enamel making it more acid resistant. If tooth decay has propagated to the pulp containing blood and nerves, this may be removed in a process known as a root canal treatment. If the tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored, it may be removed. Your dentist can then replace the tooth with a partial denture, bridge or implant. Even though tooth decay is not totally preventable, the best possible way to be free from it is to keep the teeth and gums as healthy as possible. This can be achieved by: -Regular visits to the dentist -Cut down on sugary and starch foods -Avoid smoking You may avoid tooth decay by taking care of your body health Tooth decay is often a symptom or warning sign of something much larger, and possibly more dangerous, happening in the body. This is why it is very important to share your medical history with your dentist because the connection between your mouth and the rest of your body is not always apparent.