What causes cavities? - Mel Rosenberg

Summary

The discovery of 15,000-year-old human remains revealed that ancient humans suffered from cavities caused by the same sugar-loving bacteria we battle today. These bacteria thrive on sugars, creating acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Even early humans, with their mostly meat-based diet, still had sugary foods like root vegetables and grains, which caused dental issues. Though they lacked modern treatments, they used tools like flint and beeswax to address cavities. Today, we rely on fluoride and better dental care to protect against cavities, though sugar consumption remains a major contributor to dental problems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ancient human remains show that cavities have been a long-standing problem, with 15,000-year-old teeth exhibiting signs of decay.
• 😀 Cavities are caused by sugar-loving bacteria in our mouths, which consume sugars and produce harmful acids.
• 😀 The bacteria responsible for cavities, mutans streptococci, are present in our mouths shortly after birth, passed from mothers to babies.
• 😀 Sugar intake is a major factor in cavity formation, as sugary diets fuel bacteria that damage tooth enamel.
• 😀 Teeth have a protective enamel coating, but acid from bacteria can break it down over time, leading to cavities.
• 😀 Once cavities reach the dentin layer of the tooth, pain may occur, especially if the bacteria spread deeper, reaching nerves and blood vessels.
• 😀 Ancient humans likely had fewer cavities despite their sugar intake, as they consumed a diet high in meat with fewer sugars.
• 😀 Carbohydrates from root vegetables, nuts, and grains could still break down into sugars that bacteria in the mouth could use.
• 😀 Early humans developed rudimentary dental tools, like sharpened flint and beeswax, to treat cavities, showing early dental care practices.
• 😀 The Industrial Revolution led to a spike in cavities, as refined sugar became more affordable and accessible, contributing to modern dental issues.
• 😀 Modern dentistry uses fluoride, tooth fillings, and better hygiene practices to prevent and treat cavities, with the most effective prevention being reduced sugar intake and good oral care.

Q & A

What discovery did archaeologists make when they found 15,000-year-old human remains?

The archaeologists found that the teeth of these ancient humans were riddled with cavities, caused by the same types of bacteria that still lead to cavities today.

How are the cavity-causing bacteria transmitted to humans?

Humans typically acquire cavity-causing bacteria, like mutans streptococci, shortly after birth, often from their mother's mouth.

What role does sugar play in the development of cavities?

Sugar serves as an energy source for bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria consume sugar, they produce acids, such as lactic acid, which erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Why is tooth enamel vulnerable to acid produced by bacteria?

Although enamel is a hard protective layer, it cannot withstand the acids produced by bacteria like mutans streptococci, which gradually degrades it, allowing bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tooth.

What happens if a cavity progresses beyond the dentin layer of a tooth?

If a cavity extends beyond the dentin, the bacteria can infect the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth, causing intense pain and potentially requiring tooth removal.

What kinds of foods did ancient humans eat that contributed to cavity formation?

In addition to lean meat, which was low in sugar, ancient humans also consumed root vegetables, nuts, and grains, which contained carbohydrates that could be broken down into sugars by enzymes in the saliva, thus contributing to cavity formation.

How did early humans try to treat their cavities?

Early humans used tools like sharpened flint to remove decayed tooth bits, and they even made rudimentary drills and used beeswax to plug cavities, similar to modern-day dental fillings.

How did the Industrial Revolution affect the prevalence of cavities?

The Industrial Revolution led to cheaper and more accessible refined sugar, which caused a surge in cavity incidence due to increased sugar consumption.

What are some modern ways to prevent cavities?

Today, fluoride is used in toothpaste and water supplies to strengthen teeth and prevent acid damage. Regular brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary or starchy foods also help prevent cavities.

What is the best way to avoid cavities?

The best way to avoid cavities is to reduce sugar intake, practice good oral hygiene like regular tooth brushing and flossing, and avoid sugary, starchy, and sticky foods that cling to teeth.