Question

How are dental caries caused?

Answer 1

Dental caries are caused by a combination of bacteria and a sugary diet. 

• Sugar Consumption: When we eat sugary food, the bacteria in our mouth act on the sugar.
• Acid Production: By acting on the sugar, these bacteria produce acids.
• Dissolving Enamel: The acids first dissolve the calcium salts from the hard outer tooth enamel.
• Dissolving Dentine (Cavity Formation): The acids then dissolve the calcium salts from the underlying dentine, gradually forming small cavities (or holes) in the tooth over a period of time.