Did you know that oral hygiene forms the core of your existence as an individual? For that reason, it is imperative that you strive to ensure that your teeth are well taken care of by adhering to the practices that will give you the best dental hygiene. One of the catastrophes that can wreak havoc your well being is tooth decay. For that reason, you need to adopt practices that will keep your teeth healthy and strong for the long term. More about tooth decay and how to prevent it is provided in this article.
What exactly is Tooth Decay and how does it manifest?
Most people wonder what tooth decay is and how it comes about. Tooth decay is merely the destruction of the hard-outer layer of teeth known as the enamel. It is a condition that mostly affects children. However, in recent years, more teenagers, as well as adults, have reported suffering from tooth decay. Such an increase may be attributed to the lifestyle that most patients live as the number one factor that predisposes them to the degeneration of teeth.
When food mixes with saliva and bacteria which produces a plaque that sticks to the teeth. This plaque bacteria then produce acids which can start to demineralise/dissolve the enamel. Subsequently, when you consume foods or beverages that are high in sugar, acid is produced by the disease which then attacks the enamel. The acids are kept in contact with your teeth due to their sticky nature. As the plaque builds up, more acid is produced which can completely break down the enamel. After that, cavities form in the teeth.
What are some of the Consequences of Tooth Decay?
As mentioned above, tooth decay and the resulting cavities were previously associated with children. On the flip side, the changes that take place as a person ages means that adults too become victims of cavities later in their lives. Tooth decay comes with various consequences. Such consequences are usually unfortunate since it is a condition that can be prevented if a person adheres to an excellent dental formula.
Tooth decay will eventually cause the gums to recede away from the teeth, which may result in gum disease. When the gums have retreated from the teeth at a much greater distance, tooth roots may soon be exposed to plaque. Tooth roots are more sensitive than the enamel since cementum, a soft tissue covers them. Cementum is more fragile and pains a lot when exposed to hot or cold drinks. Most persons who are aged 50 years and above are more susceptible to suffer from tooth-root decay.
Additionally, older people also tend to suffer from decay around the margins or edges of their teeth. Older people never had the benefit of preventive dental care during their upbringing. Similarly, the majority of them never benefitted from fluoride like those living in the modern age. Therefore, it is common to find such adults with dental fillings in their teeth.
As time goes by, most of the fillings get eroded and begin to weaken then develop fractures. With time, they start leaking and forming small crevices. Subsequently, bacteria build up on the crevices thus causing acids to build up hence causing decay.
What are some of the Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?
Are you aware that gum disease and tooth decay remains among the most easily preventable diseases? That statement holds for both children and adults. The neglect that some people accord their teeth later on compromises the entire teeth. Unbeknown to most people, tooth decay and gum disease can spread to the jawbone if left untreated. If push comes to shove, the affected individual suffers bone and tooth loss.
However, the good news is that you as an individual can prevent teeth decay and gum diseases. By taking the right steps, you can mitigate and prevent a catastrophe that may not only render you toothless but also unattractive. Below are some of the affordable, easy and simple steps that you can use to prevent tooth decay:
Tips to help you Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
• Brush your Teeth at Least Twice Everyday– this is arguably the best step that you can take in fighting teeth decay. Though it sounds quite easy; most people do not abide by it. It’s an easy step that should not be overlooked. By brushing your teeth twice daily, you will be able to remove plaque that is responsible for causing gum disease and tooth decay.
• Avoid Sugary Foods– sugary foods and carbohydrates are rich in starch, a primary culprit in the formation of plaque and subsequent acids that ravage teeth, gums and the jawbone. Ensure that children avoid sugary snacks such as ice cream, sweets, and energy drinks.
• Always Floss Daily– dental experts have realised that most people skip flossing when brushing their teeth. Such counter-productive actions further compromise the health of your teeth since the bristles of your brush cannot reach all the places. Therefore, flossing helps to remove the entire food residue that builds up in the middle of your teeth thus preventing decay.
• Use Toothpaste Rich in Fluoride– ensure that the toothpaste you use has fluoride. Fluoride not only kills bacteria found in the plaque but also plays a pivotal role in strengthening your enamel.
• Rinse your Teeth with Mouthwash– use mouthwash to clean your teeth in between meals if you lack time to brush them. Anti-bacterial mouthwash will go a long way in boosting your oral hygiene and killing any bacteria present in your mouth.
• Do not forget to Brush your Tongue– most dentists have noticed that most people neglect their tongue when brushing their teeth. Are you one of those people? Well, if so, take the right steps by using a tongue scraper or brushing your teeth to give it the cleaning it deserves.
Prevention of cavities and gum disease begins at home. Maintaining good oral health will not only enable your teeth to stay healthy for longer but also give you that attractive and inviting smile you’ve always desired. That will only be possible if you brush your teeth and floss daily, keep off sugary foods and follow all the other steps mentioned above.
