Tooth Decay

Also known as:  Caries;  Dental Caries

Tooth Decay is the decay of the Enamel of the Teeth.

 Inhibition of Plaque.

 Inhibition of the Bacteria that cause Plaque.

 Remineralization of Tooth Enamel.

 Buffering of oral pH.

Alkaloids

 Caffeine may increase the ability of the Enamel of the Teeth to resist the actions of Acids that can initiate Tooth Decay (this effect is potentiated when Caffeine is administered concurrently with Fluoride). 

 Sanguinarine (as a constituent of Mouthwashes and Toothpastes) may inhibit the Detrimental Bacteria that cause Tooth Decay and inhibits the formation of Plaque that leads to Tooth Decay.  ^[1]

Carbohydrates

 Chitosan (applied topically) may inhibit the formation of the Plaque that causes Tooth Decay. 

 Gum Arabic may help to prevent Tooth Decay (by facilitating the remineralization of Tooth Enamel).  ^[2]

 Xylitol may suppress the growth of Detrimental Bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus) that cause Tooth Decay.  ^[3]

Glycosides - Saponins

 Glycyrrhizin may prevent Tooth Decay (by inhibiting Lactic Acid).  ^[4]

Minerals

 Tooth Decay may occur as a result of Calcium Phosphate (Apatite) deficiency:  ^[5]

 The addition of Calcium Glycerophosphate (Calcium GP) to Sodium Monofluorophosphate Toothpaste may increase the anti-caries action of Sodium Monofluoroposphate by re-hardening demineralized Tooth Enamel and promotes remineralization after acid attack.

 Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate (applied topically via Toothpaste) may remineralize Enamel affected by Tooth Decay.  ^[6]

 Fluorine (topically-bioavailable forms used in many Toothpastes) may help to prevent Tooth Decay (by inhibiting the demineralization of Tooth Enamel and enhancing Enamel remineralization in early-stage caries lesions).  Oral ingestion of Fluoride may be ineffective for the inhibition of Tooth Decay:  ^[7]

 Toothpastes containing Sodium Fluoride may be more effective than those containing Sodium Monofluorophosphate for the prevention of Tooth Decay.

 Stannous Fluoride (applied topically as a component of Toothpaste) may inhibit the proliferation of the Streptococcus mutans Bacteria that is implicated in Tooth Decay.

 Fluoride-containing chewing gum (containing 0.25 mg Fluoride per piece of gum) is available (prescription required) from pharmacies in some regions under the names Fluorette or Fludent for the prevention of Tooth Decay.

 Topically applied Fluoride Gel (containing between 0.2% and 1% Fluoride and sometimes combined with Chlorhexidine) is often administered (usually by a health professional, e.g. Dentist) to persons with moderate to severe Tooth Decay.

 Caution:  Fluoride in the form of Silicofluorides added to the Water supply may increase the risk of Tooth Decay.

 Magnesium may help to prevent Tooth Decay (due to its incorporation into Tooth Enamel). 

 Tooth decay may occur as a result of Molybdenum deficiency.  ^[8]

 Silicon may help to prevent Tooth Decay (it may facilitate the incorporation and retention of Calcium in the Teeth).  ^[9]

 Strontium may help to prevent Tooth Decay.  ^[10]

 Zinc may help to prevent Tooth Decay.  ^[11]

Organic Acids

 Citric Acid may help to prevent ToothDecay (this effect is exerted by Citric Acid while it remains in the Mouth). 

Phenolic Acids

 Tannic Acid may help to prevent Tooth Decay (it may increase the resistance of Tooth Enamel to the corrosive effects of other acids). 

Polyphenols

 Catechin may increase the ability of the Enamel of the Teeth to resist the actions of Acids that can initiate Tooth Decay (this effect is potentiated when Catechin is administered concurrently with Fluoride).