If left untreated, the tooth decay may go past the dentin and reach the pulp of the tooth (leading to painful abscesses) and even spread to the bloodstream. The latter can mean the spread of bacterial infection, leading to sepsis.

University of Notre Dame

Plaque bacteria breaks down sucrose from food, producing glucose and fructose. Glucose contributes to the plaque biofilm development while fructose ferments and produces lactic acid that dissolves enamel and dentin. These cariogenic bacteria species include Streptococcus and Actinomyces.

Dental Caries Promoted by Cariogenic Bacteria

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Signs of dental caries include dark and or deep deposits of tooth decay (sometimes only seen via X-ray) and dental calculus, or tartar, on the bases of teeth. Depending on the extent of decay, these caries can be asymptomatic or painful (deep abscesses).

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