Tooth decay is caused by a bacterial infection.  The bacteria turns sugars into lactic acid and lactic acid takes the minerals out of our teeth and that’s the first stage of tooth decay, says Dr. Roger Briggs of Briggs Family Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Briggs says there are four reasons why people get tooth decay.  First, is host susceptibility, or genetics.  Second is a person’s nutritional diet – a refined carborhydrate diet actually feeds the bacteria, called strep mutans, and this bacteria becomes the dominant bacteria in the mouth.  Thirdly, consistent professional care is important is diagnosing tooth decay.  Lastly, flossing and caring for the mouth by using rinses to kill this bacteria is important.

Dr. Briggs is a leading expert and member of the Arizona Dental Directory.  Visit www.briggsfamilydentistry.com andwww.dentistnewsnetwork.com for more information.