Question

Dental caries is due to
A. Hereditary abnormalities
B. Bacterial Infections
C. Viral infection
D. Contaminated water

Answer 1

Tooth decay (dental caries) refers to damage of the structure of the tooth enamel. Untreated cavities can cause toothache, infection, tooth loss. The symptoms of tooth decay include pain and difficulty with eating.

Step by step answer: The teeth play an important role in chewing and also helps us to speak. The tooth is made up of four different tissues namely, enamel, dentine, pulp, and cementum. The enamel, dentine, and cementum are hard calcified tissue whereas pulp is soft non-calcified tissue. The pulp is the center of the tooth and it contains blood vessels and nerves. When we eat something sugary, bacteria in our mouth attack and make acid that damages the tooth surface, and enamel forms the cavity. The demineralization of the tooth begins. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed cause enamel repair itself using minerals from saliva and toothpaste. If the decaying of the tooth continues enamel weakens and thus it gets destroyed and results in caries.
Acids are released due to the metabolic activities of bacteria. Dental caries initially looks like discoloration of the tooth over time it darkens and forms a dark black spot.
Hence, the correct option is option B, Bacterial Infections

Note: Dental caries vary from plaque. Plaque is a sticky pale yellow film on teeth. This is the bacterial colonies that live in the mouth and survive on the food stuck to teeth. The metabolic product of these bacterias results in the formation of caries. Plaque can be removed by proper brushing and dental clean-up.