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What specifically causes the breakdown of teeth? (self.askbiologists)

submitted 2 years ago by breadsmasher to c/askbiologists

13 comments fedilink hide all child comments

When you see images of skulls from 100,000 years ago, they have seemingly perfect teeth.

Today, modern humans have terrible dental health. I understand sugar causes a number of issues- the growth of bacteria which decays enamel.

What is the process teeth go through in the modern world to cause this? How quickly after consuming a sugary drink for example does this degradation start to occur?

And as a follow up, how does tooth paste help prevent this?

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[–] breadsmasher 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Is plaque something more than just a “covering” then? I was under the idea its like, a coating that builds up. I knew it was bad for dental health but I was never sure why

[–] ndr 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Plaque is a biofilm produced by many microorganisms, mainly bacteria. A biofilm is a slimy, sticky mix of substances that can stick to surfaces (here, the enamel).

In this case, bacteria can proliferate there and release their by-products (like lactic acid). So, they can stick to the surface of the teeth and 'acidify' it directly, thus damaging it. Minerals are also lost from the tooth and end up in the plaque.

[–] breadsmasher 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Do dentures / “fake teeth” suffer from plaque?

[–] ndr 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

If they're not made of minerals (as is the case with dentures), they cannot demineralize and suffer decay in the same way. Note that plaque, or biofilm in general, can form anywhere.

So, you should practice good oral hygiene, because plaque could cause other infections in your mouth, in particular in your gums.

[–] breadsmasher 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

This has been hugely informative, thank you

[–] ndr 2 points 2 years ago

You're welcome!

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