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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffCavities are caused by tooth decay, which is a process that occurs over time.
- Plaque forms. Your mouth, like many other parts of your body, naturally contains many types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria thrive on food and drinks that contain sugars and cooked starches, also known as fermenting carbohydrates. When these carbohydrates aren't cleaned off your teeth, the bacteria can convert them into acids. The bacteria, acids, food particles and saliva then form into dental plaque — a sticky film that coats your teeth. If you run your tongue along your teeth, you can feel this plaque several hours after you've brushed. The plaque is slightly rough and is more noticeable on your back teeth, especially along the gumline.
- Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque attack minerals in the tooth's hard, outer surface, called the enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — cavities. Once spots of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer and less resistant to acid than is enamel.
- Destruction continues. As tooth decay continues, the bacteria and acid continue their march through the layers of your teeth, moving next to the pulp, or the inner material of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. The bone supporting the tooth also may become involved. When a cavity and decay is this advanced, you may have severe toothache pain, sensitivity, pain when biting or other symptoms. Your body also may respond to these bacterial invaders by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. This may result in a tooth abscess.
References
- Gonsalves W. Oral health. In: South-Paul JE, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill/Lange; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3036775. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Durso SC. Oral manifestations of disease. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2862909. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/0C900F9D-C582-4609-A62C-CF4AB53E84A0/0/Plaque_brochure.pdf. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Seal out tooth decay. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOutToothDecay.htm. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Fact sheet: Tooth decay. Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_ToothDecay.pdf&id=. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Eating habits that can harm teeth. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2002;133:1739.
- The oral health of older Americans. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/adult_older.htm. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Kagihara LE. Assessment, management, and prevention of early childhood caries. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2009;21:1.
- Caries. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec08/ch095/ch095b.html. Accessed March 8, 2009.
- Oral health: Preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/aag/pdf/doh.pdf. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Dental amalgam use and benefits. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/amalgam.htm. Accessed March 12, 2009.
