The teeth are formed of several different levels of coatings. The outer level of a tooth is made up of a hard enamel layer which protects the teeth from damage and decay. Below this level is the dentine level and below that is the gum which is where the nerves end in the tooth. Teeth are extremely hard but, for reasons like bad health they may begin to decay and can cause toothaches and may even fall off. The root is characterized by the bit of teeth that is embedded in the gums and goes into the jaw bone. This gives the tooth a grouting, which it uses as support during chewing.
In your case, it is clear that you are suffering from some sort of tooth decay problem. Because you have lost 6 teeth over a period of time, it is clear that this is a chronic issue. Tooth decay can be caused by multiple factors.
Teeth themselves may be weak and therefore susceptible to infection and decay. Some teeth do not have an adequate coating of enamel, or tend to lose this coating over time which causes decay. Some people may also suffer injury which will chip the tooth and could allow infection to penetrate the tooth. These are structural problems with the tooth. Bacterial problems can also exist and these would cause tooth decay in the long run. Bacteria can be found in the whitish substance that one notices on the teeth which is called plaque. Plaque can be found in the various ridges and indentations on the teeth. Bacterial tooth infections can be avoided by good hygiene which involves brushing twice a day and thoroughly rinsing the mouth after meals or drinks. This even applies to cups of tea or coffee.
carbohydrates may get stuck in the same indentations or ridges in the teeth and can ferment to cause tooth decay. This is the reason why parents tell their children that sweets cause bad teeth. Sugars ferment and form into acidic substances which can literally eat away at the surface of the tooth. Sugar related damage is a long process and its effects could be reversed as long as the dentine has not been exposed. Once exposure of the dentine takes place, an infection is likely to move in and cause a cavity in the tooth. The only solution for you is to maintain the best possible oral hygiene. You must visit a doctor to check yourself out because your problem is chronic and this could result in you losing all your teeth.
answered by M W