Cavities are explained in different ways to teach children and adults how to avoid them. Many people simplify the story by saying that if you avoid sugar and brush your teeth, you can avoid tooth decay. Like any matter inside your complex body, however, there is more to rotting teeth than just eating too much sugar and skipping out on your preventive dental care. The whole process begins with germs – Streptococcus mutans, to be exact. Join Dr. Brad Greenfield of Lake Orion Family Dentistry on this particular germ’s journey towards creating tooth decay.
Sugar Bugs
Streptococcus mutans are quite commonly found in the human mouth, though we aren’t born with the germs. S. mutans are able to grow best in temperatures between 18 and 40 degrees Celsius. The temperature of a “normal” mouth averages at 37 degrees Celsius, making your oral cavity the perfect home for these crafty bacteria. Streptococcus mutans have something in common with you: they break down sugar in order to have the energy to live their lives. The by-product of their sugary diet is acid. A deluge of lactic acid on your teeth will demineralizes tooth enamel, which is Continue reading
