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Tooth decay is caused by a combination of many factors.Tooth decay or dental caries is mainly produced by sticky foods like chocolate and those with a lot of sugar content.But it doesn't mean that one can prevent dental caries by simply avoiding sugar and candies.
The dental caries begins as a small white spot on a tooth surface.It can occur on smooth surface(mostly where two teeth are in contact) as well as on the chewing surface.The smooth surface caries will often go unnoticed until it causes pain or sensitivity.Unlike the smooth surface caries,the other one can be visible at much early stage before it could reach the dental pulp and cause pain.

The mechanism behind the dental caries is the action of certain microbes present in the mouth on the food we eat.There are some specific bacteria like Streptococcus mu tans,Lactobacillus species etc.,which act upon the sugar we eat and produce some acids that destroy the tooth.This eventually lead to the cavity formation.The longer the stay of food substance in the mouth more is the action of bacteria on them.So,it is better to brush after every meal ideally.
The three major factors that influence caries formation are Agent,Host and Environment.The host factors include the genetic makeup,agent is the bacteria and the environment is the food,saliva etc.
The three factors are collectively known as 'KEY'S CIRCLE'.All are inter related.So,merely avoiding sugar cannot prevent tooth decay.The environmental factors can only be controlled by brushing,flossing etc.

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