 |
|
|
|
|
Tooth Decay Tooth decay is the loss of the mineral structure of the tooth due to an infectious disease. Unlike commonly thought, tooth decay is neither a dietary disease nor resultant from inherited weak teeth. The most common bacteria responsible for the disease is mutans strepococci (abbreviated here M. Strep). M. Strep is transmitted from the mother's mouth to the child as an infant. We know they come from the mother and not the father because of studies using DNA testing of the bacteria. The cross contamination occurs by habits such as kissing or sharing eating utensils. The more bacteria the mother has the greater chance the child will get a sufficient dose to cause decay. This is a good reason parents should not have tooth decay. Unfortunately, full and partial dentures can also harbor the bacteria if kept unclean. M. Strep produces lactic acid in the fermentation process using sucrose, fructose and glucose. Lactic acid lower the pH of the saliva and causes the enamel of the tooth to demineralize. In defense of the teeth, saliva acts a a buffer to neutralize the acid effect, and contains calcium and phosphate to remineralize the tooth structure. When the amount of sugar and the concentration of bacteria exceeds the saliva's healing ability, tooth decay results. John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
2008. All rights reserved. |
