Dental caries, tooth decay: causes?

Multiple: To get a cavity you need three things to be present; a susceptible host tooth fermentable carbohydrates specific type of bacteria must be present sweets, food caught between teeth, soda, failure to brush or floss. Straight teeth can be easier to maintain. Cavities are bacterial and prevention thru good home hygiene and regular visits to see your dentist are great ways to avoid cavities/ tooth deca.

Bacteria: Tooth decay is caused when the bacteria in plaque are exposed to sugars and metabolize the sugars into acid. Plaque is sticky and concentrates the acid onto the enamal of your teeth which dissolves it creating a cavity. Plaque without sugar or starch wil not cause decay. Sugar without plaque will not cause decay. Acid alone, like lemons, will dissolve enamal and can cause decay, .

Different Things..: Cavities are caused by many factors. Time+bacteria+diet+genetics. So the amount of exposure, amount of carbohydrates/sugars, quality & quantity of brushing, as well as, your body's "chemistry" will have an effect on you getting cavities. The best defense is brushing and flossing 2x/day. Rinsing with a Fluoride mouth wash and getting maintenance cleanings and exams from your dentist 2x/yr.

3: You need a tooth to have it. You need bacteria to cause it. You need sugar to feed the bacteria. Without any one of these 3, you will not have decay.

Acid imbalance: Essentially, decay is caused by the demineralization of teeth by the acidic attack of the various foods and beverages we have each day. The bacteria present in the mouth can use this acidic environment to further enhance the process. Medications that dry the mouth also contribute to the decay process. Bottom line, reduce the acid frequency, remove food from teeth and see your dentist regularly.

ACID + TIME: Acid + time, causes tooth decay. This can be from bacterial byproducts, from foods and drinks in the diet, or from lack of buffering saliva. So in other words: increased bacteria (poor oral hygiene), carbohydrates that feed the bacteria (sugars), acidic diets, decreased saliva (from medications, radiation, alcohol). The longer or more often the tooth is exposed, the more likely decay occurs.

Concur: I concur w dr collura's excellent answer. To reduce risk adjust diet to be less sweet and less acidic. Clean thoroughly, including between your teeth, every day--no excuses. And seek regular professional care.

Neglect and sugar: The core causes of dental decay are poor personal oral hygiene, failure to include a professional maintenance routine with a dentist and a diet with poor food choices. While certain bacteria are the actual culprits in creating cavities, it is ones personal lifestyle habits and choices that allow those micro-organisms to survive and flourish. Great hygiene habits will disrupt that biology!

Combo of factors: Dental caries are caused by a combination of factors: many types of bacteria, the acids in plaque and not getting enough fluoride. The sooner you get dental care, the better your chances of reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay and preventing its progression to a root canal. Call your dentist today.

Bacteria and sugar: Decay is caused by bacteria which are naturally occurring in your mouth. When the bacteria are fed sugar, either simple like sweets or complex like bread or sugar, they produce acid which eats into the tooth.