Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities -- a highly Preventable disease caused by many factors. See similar questions...

Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay. See similar questions...

Tooth decay is a bacterial process that is fueled primarily by simple sugars. Tooth decay can usually be prevented by regular thorough brushing, flossing and the use of fluoride and dental sealants. Simple sugars can be found in things such as candy, gum and pop. The general rule is: 'the stickier it is, the worse it is." See similar questions...

Decay is caused by plaque -- a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth. When sugar is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity or hole is formed in the tooth. The process happens especially quickly with sugar in liquid form. The most common culprits in our office is 100% fruit juice, sports drinks, and chocolate milk. See similar questions...

Though dairy products are considered one of the four basic food groups and an important part of the diet, in one specific situation milk can be responsible for causing a type of rampant decay. This decay process happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. The milk is collected on the roof of the mouth and tongue, and the upper front teeth are bathed in it. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. See similar questions...

ANSWER: Though dairy products are considered one of the four basic food groups and an important part of the diet, in one specific situation milk can be responsible for causing a type of rampant decay. This decay process happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. The milk is collected on the roof of the mouth and tongue, and the upper front teeth are bathed in it. See similar questions...

Excessive baby's bottle feeding with a sweet liquid, particularly when sleeping can lead to special dental affection called baby tooth decay or nursing syndrome. All teeth are concerned except lower incisors. See similar questions...

The following answer is from the IFIC, International Food Information Council Foundation, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036. (reference in bibliography, Part 8)] Tooth decay is the result of many factors, including heredity and the make-up and flow of saliva. Sugars and other carbohydrates such as starchy foods also play a part. Cavities occur when bacteria in dental plaque break down starches and sugars to form acids that destroy tooth enamel, dentine and /cementum. See similar questions...

Fluoride is provided mainly through drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, supplements (chewable tablets or drops), and other materials such as gels and rinses that may be applied during your visit to the dentist. See similar questions...

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits. See similar questions...

Try to avoid putting your baby down to sleep or nap with a bottle. Many children expose their teeth to decay through the sugar in baby formula, juice, and even breast milk. Hold your baby while bottle feeding, and if the baby needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water, or replace the bottle with a pacifier or toy. Keep in mind that we can help your baby to avoid early cavities by providing fluoride treatments. This simple procedure promotes the healthy growth of new teeth. See similar questions...

Four things are necessary for cavities to form -- a tooth, bacteria, sugars or other carbohydrates and time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. See similar questions...

The answer is... everyone who has a mouth. We all host bacteria in our mouths which make everyone a potential target for cavities. Risk factors that put a person at a higher risk for tooth decay include: See similar questions...

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria in plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid produced by these bacteria attack the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin. See similar questions...

Fluoride works by making the outer layer of teeth (called tooth enamel) stronger. When the outer layer is strong, teeth are less likely to get cavities. See similar questions...