Does tooth decay mean the presence of worms?

Tooth decay is actually what we call tooth decay, but it does not mean that there are worms in the teeth. It is actually just a name for tooth decay, and tooth decay is more caused by the growth of some bacteria. Therefore, we must have a scientific understanding of the problem of tooth decay and prevent it.

1. Dental caries is commonly known as "cavities". Dental caries is a common dental disease. There is no "worm" in "rotten teeth". However, many people lack oral knowledge and suffer from caries, which causes a large hole in their teeth. They mistakenly think that caries is caused by insects, so they call it "cavities" or "tooth decay." There are some quack doctors in society who use tricks to deceive patients in order to make money. In rural areas, there are often some fraudulent quack doctors who use pepper seeds or onion or leek seeds, burn them over fire, and the cores inside come out like small worms. When people are not paying attention, they take them out of the patient's mouth and say they are tooth worms. This is a complete lie. There will be no worms in cavities.

2. In fact, tooth decay is not caused by insects, but by the action of certain bacteria (mainly a type of streptococcus, followed by lactobacillus). These bacteria can ferment sugars in the mouth to produce acid. This acidic substance can demineralize the teeth, destroy the only organic matter in the teeth, and eventually form a hole in the teeth. Of course, the occurrence of dental caries is also related to poor tooth development, crowded arrangement, and the composition and amount of saliva.

3. Generally speaking, people who eat more sugar have a greater chance of developing dental caries than those who eat less sugar (because the main component of Chinese people’s food is sugar). Dental caries develops relatively slowly, often taking several months or longer to develop to a certain depth and form holes. Pain only occurs when it affects the pulp tissue.

4. Therefore, adults should go to the hospital for a check-up once a year, and children should go to the hospital for a check-up every 6 months, so that they can receive timely treatment. At this time, since the disease is discovered early, the degree of damage to the teeth is generally relatively light, and in most cases it will not cause difficulties for treatment.