Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in the world; it is particularly common in children and young adults. Tooth decay rivals the common cold as the most prevalent human disorder. It is not a natural process, as many people believe, but a bacterial disease. This bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause other problems in the body. Bacteria in the mouth combine with mucus and food debris to create a sticky mass called plaque that sticks to the surfaces of the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque feed on ingested sugars and produce an acid that leaches calcium and phosphate from the teeth. Gradually, if the sticky deposits are not removed, the teeth erode-first the enamel (the outer layer) and then the dentin (the body of the tooth). If unchecked, decay can progress even further, into the pulp that contains the nerve in the center of the tooth, resulting in a toothache. Infection may result, leaving the tooth vulnerable to abscess. Tooth decay or cavity also known as Dental caries, is a disease wherein bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure (enamel, dentin, and cementum).These tissues progressively break down, producing dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth). Two groups of bacteria are responsible for initiating caries: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death.

Tooth decay describes the condition wherein the tooth, under a variety of harsh conditions, break down leading to the formation of a cavity. It starts with a hole/opening in the enamel. If this is not treated, it progressively reaches the deeper sections of the tooth, where the pulp and the nerves are causing the tooth to become sensitive to a variety of stimuli, a variety of gum problems such as inflammation and swelling, pain and ultimately tooth loss.

SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH DECAY
Tooth decay normally causes no symptoms until it is rather far advanced. In later stages, a toothache may occur. As the tooth decay reaches the dental pulp a toothache is felt by hot or sweet foods, this may last for only a few minutes. As the decay gets closer to the dental pulp the pain may be persistent and you may need to take painkillers, paracetamol or ibuprofen, to control the pain. Toothache indicates that immediate visit to the dentist should be done to avoid the tooth.
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or infected tooth. When this occurs, symptoms include:

• Toothache, which is the most common symptom. An infection or irritation of the tooth pulp usually causes the pain.
• Pits or holes may also be visible in the teeth.
• Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
• White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
• Loose fillings.
• A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure.
• Plaque and tartar also irritate the gums, and lead to a gum disease called gingivitis.

Severe tooth decay may cause a serious complication can be the development of a tooth abscess - the build up of pus resulting from a bacterial infection of the centre of the tooth. Symptoms of abscess include:

• Fever.
• Swollen glands.
• A swollen jaw.
• Deep, throbbing pain.
• Infection may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.

REMEDIES
In the meantime, there are some simple measures that you can take to ensure that you buy yourself some time before a trip to the dentist. The first step is to rid you of the pain. This can be done by bathing the affected tooth in a mouthful of clove oil or chewing on cloves. Be warned that if you are a pregnant female, you must not swallow the oil or your saliva and spit it right out. Clove is a natural anesthetic for the teeth. The next step is to clean out the tooth of dead tissue and bacteria. For this, do a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. This will suppress bacterial activity for a while and give you much relief until you visit the dentist.

• Essential oil clove, available in most drugstores, is helpful for toothache pain. Apply 1 or 2 drops to the affected toothache pain. Apply 1 or 2 drops to the effected tooth with a cotton swap as needed. If you find the clove oil too strong, dilute it with olive oil.
• Calendula, chamomile, peppermint, and yarrow are naturally anti-inflammatory.
• Thyme is a natural antiseptic that reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth.
• Alcohol-free goldenseal extract can be used as an antibacterial mouthwash. If inflammation is present, put a few drops of goldenseal extract on a piece of sterile cotton and press against the gum by the effected tooth, pushing in place tightly, at bedtime. Leave the cotton in place over-night. Do this for three consecutive nights to destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Kava kava, St. John’s wort, white willow bark, and wintergreen have analgesic properties. White willow bark is also an anti-inflammatory.
• Sage is good for its anti-inflammatory properties. Bring to a boil 2 tablespoons of dried, crushed sage leaves in 1 cup of water. Steep for twenty minutes and strain. Cool to a comfortable temperature and use the mixture to rinse your several times daily.

CAUSES OF TOOTH DECAY?
Tooth decay can occur if plaque is left on teeth. It is the tiny bacteria which live in plaque that cause it to happen. When tooth decay first starts, the bacteria make acids (which they let out into the plaque), and which soften the tooth's surface. The acids actually dissolve away the minerals in the tooth's outer surface (or enamel), and this process is known as demineralization.
Tooth decay depends on three factors: the presence of bacteria, the availability of sugars for bacteria to feed on, and the vulnerability of tooth enamel. There are also some people who, for reasons not yet understood, seem to have unusually acidic saliva and/or higher than normal levels of bacteria present in their mouths, and they too are more prone to tooth decay.

• Fluoride is a substance that really helps fight and prevent tooth decay. Deficiency of fluoride can results in tooth decay.
• Poor oral hygiene: Irregular and improper brushing, not flossing between teeth, not rinsing with water or mouthwash after meals speed up the process of tooth decay.
• Unregulated diet of sweet food and drinks: Periodic snacking on aerated drinks, jam, marmalade, even potato chips can lead to the formation of acidic by - products which damage the surface of the tooth enamel. This is the reason why most young children adolescents suffer from tooth decay.
• Bad or worn out dental fillings: Tooth decay might develop again from exposed tooth surfaces.
• Poor diet that is full of starch and sugar.
• Dental caries is another name for cavities, which is the result tooth decay.
• Drinking alcoholic beverage, like smoking, are two habits people should start to take out of their systems are they are both really not good for the body.

RECOMMENDATION

• Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. These contain minerals that help to keep the saliva from becoming too acidic.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks. These are high in phosphates, which promote the loss of calcium from the tooth enamel.
• Avoid all refined sugars.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not use chewable vitamin C supplements, which can erode tooth enamel. Tablets or powders designed for swallowing do not pose this danger.
• Brush your teeth after eating and floss between the teeth daily.
• Too much brushing can cause the gums to recede, exposing the root areas of the teeth, which are more prone to decay than rest of the tooth.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and replace it with a new one every month.
• To ease the pain of toothache or abscess until you can see dentist, rinse the affected area with warm salt water (add half teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water.)