Avoid Cavities and Tooth Decay: Keep Your Teeth Healthy
No one likes cavities but people still get them because of negligence and laziness.
When one gets a cavity, it is essentially tooth decay in action.
Tooth decay is a process in which the tooth structure is destroyed and affects the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth.
Tooth decay takes place when various foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches) - such as cereals, milk, breads, cakes, soda, candy, or fruits - are left on the teeth.
There are millions of bacteria that live in the mouth.
These bacteria digest these foods and turn them into acids.
The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.
To prevent cavities, you can do the following: 1.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Preferably, brush after each and every meal and most importantly before going to bed.
2.
Clean your teeth daily with dental floss, such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush, Reach Stim-U-Dent, or Sulcabrush.
3.
Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snack intake.
Avoid carbs such as candy and chips, which can remain on the surface of your teeth for hours if not days.
If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth right afterwards.
4.
Check with your dentist about the use of a supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
5.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of molars in order to protect them from decay.
6.
Drink fluoridated water.
At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
Most cities include fluoride in tap water so this is a no brainer.
7.
Visit your dentist regularly for 6 month cleanings and oral exams.
Researchers are developing a revolutionary new way to prevent tooth decay.
One study found that a chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol slowed the growth of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.
In addition, materials that slowly release fluoride over time, which help prevent tooth decay, are being explored.
These materials would be placed between teeth or in pits and fissures of teeth.
Toothpaste that has the ability to reverse and heal early stage cavities are also being researched.
But also consider the cosmetic aspect of cavities and tooth decay.
No one likes to look at a mouthful of cavities, rotten and discolored teeth.
Quite frankly, it is rather disgusting.
So if you want to maintain your bright, shiny smile and avoid denchers in your old age, then it is highly recommended that you brush your teeth, floss, and eat foods that don't promote bacteria that lead to cavities.
Once you get in the routine of maintaining healthy teeth, you will never go back.
When one gets a cavity, it is essentially tooth decay in action.
Tooth decay is a process in which the tooth structure is destroyed and affects the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth.
Tooth decay takes place when various foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches) - such as cereals, milk, breads, cakes, soda, candy, or fruits - are left on the teeth.
There are millions of bacteria that live in the mouth.
These bacteria digest these foods and turn them into acids.
The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.
To prevent cavities, you can do the following: 1.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Preferably, brush after each and every meal and most importantly before going to bed.
2.
Clean your teeth daily with dental floss, such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush, Reach Stim-U-Dent, or Sulcabrush.
3.
Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snack intake.
Avoid carbs such as candy and chips, which can remain on the surface of your teeth for hours if not days.
If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth right afterwards.
4.
Check with your dentist about the use of a supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
5.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of molars in order to protect them from decay.
6.
Drink fluoridated water.
At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
Most cities include fluoride in tap water so this is a no brainer.
7.
Visit your dentist regularly for 6 month cleanings and oral exams.
Researchers are developing a revolutionary new way to prevent tooth decay.
One study found that a chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol slowed the growth of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.
In addition, materials that slowly release fluoride over time, which help prevent tooth decay, are being explored.
These materials would be placed between teeth or in pits and fissures of teeth.
Toothpaste that has the ability to reverse and heal early stage cavities are also being researched.
But also consider the cosmetic aspect of cavities and tooth decay.
No one likes to look at a mouthful of cavities, rotten and discolored teeth.
Quite frankly, it is rather disgusting.
So if you want to maintain your bright, shiny smile and avoid denchers in your old age, then it is highly recommended that you brush your teeth, floss, and eat foods that don't promote bacteria that lead to cavities.
Once you get in the routine of maintaining healthy teeth, you will never go back.
