Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when plague that forms on the teeth combines with sugars and starches of food that we eat to produce acids that are detrimental to the tooth enamel. Apart from affecting the enamel, tooth decay can also affect the dentin layer of the tooth. As the acid attacks the enamel, it creates holes in the teeth.
You should note that three factors must be present for the tooth decay to occur. These are: diet rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, susceptible teeth and acid producing bacteria. And cavities are disturbing because they cause suffering, pain and disability for many people. Although tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, it can easily be prevented. Below are some of the ways to prevent cavities:
Brush your teeth
You should brush your teeth twice a day in order to fight against cavities. Toothpaste with fluoride is highly recommended.
Floss daily
When you eat, food particles get caught in between your teeth and if you don’t remove them, they can lead to cavities. Flossing comes handy to removing such food particles from in between your teeth.
Eat healthy
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in good dental health. You should eat nutritional snacks and avoid sugary drinks to prevent plague from forming on your teeth. To prevent tooth decay, you should restrict sugar intake at all cost. In fact, it should be less than 50 grams a day including those in other foodstuffs. And some foodstuffs are better for your teeth than others, so avoid candy, chips and cookies and instead, eat food that protects your teeth such as cheese.
Have sealants placed
These are a protective coating that people apply to the biting surface of the teeth to shield plague and bacteria that can lead to cavities. Dental sealants are more common in children and help in stopping collection of bacteria on areas where a tooth brush cannot reach. Ask your dentist about the sealants.
Use a mouth rinse
A mouth rinse containing fluoride helps in preventing cavities. Rinse your mouth after eating or brushing to get good results.
Chew sugarless gum
Did you know that chewing gums help in increasing the flow of saliva? Yes, they do but you should only chew the sugarless gums to prevent cavities.
Visit your dentist regularly
It is prudent to get professional tooth cleaning as well as oral exams to spot problems and prevent them early.
You should note that tooth decay can be deadly too. If the infection in the upper back tooth spreads to the sinus located behind your eye, it can enter your brain and cause death. So, you are advised to consult your dentist in case you experience teeth problem.
At Bathurst-Dupont Dental, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to treating dental issues. Not only do we have remedy to dental problems, we also educate our patients on what to do to prevent dental problems. You are free to drop by or call our committed team for solutions to your dental problems.