Tooth Decay Is Important to Avoid
Tooth decay. What is it? What causes it? Are some people more prone to advanced tooth decay than others? What can you do to fight tooth decay? What would a dentist do to treat tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the most common problem that people go to a dentist for. In fact, did you know that tooth decay is a general health problem that is second only to the common cold?
Tooth decay, also referred to as cavities or dental caries is the destruction of tooth enamel. Tooth decay is the work of oral bacteria that live in plaque on your teeth. These bacteria are resourceful in using sugar and starches that remain in the mouth after a meal and use them to produce tooth drilling lactic acid. This lactic acid takes advantage of weak spots and unprotected areas on the tooth, weakening the tooth and causing tooth decay.
There are several different types of bacteria that are thought to be present in the mouth producing this acid however streptococcus mutans is believed to be the primary vandal.
Would it surprise you to know that nine out of every ten people in the United States have had at least one problem with tooth decay resulting in a cavity in their lifetime? In fact, most people across the country had developed some level of tooth decay by the time they reached their fifth birthday. It is not totally understood why but every person has different genetic predisposed levels of resistance to tooth decay and decay causing bacteria.
Even though tooth decay is tremendously common, there are several things that your can do to prevent it or at least minimize your exposure to it. The first thing you can do is brush your teeth with a fluoride tooth paste and floss in between each tooth. Eating a diet that is low in sugar and starches can have a dramatic impact on tooth decay as it limits the amount of acid producing fuel bacteria have access to.
Visiting your dentist for regular exams and teeth cleanings is an excellent preventative measure that you can take in the fight against tooth decay. Ask your dentist as well about plastic teeth sealants for teeth located further back in the mouth. These teeth are used more often for chewing and tend to be more prone to tooth decay, so they can use the extra protection.
