Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a problem affecting millions and millions of people all across the globe. However, many people do not know the real causes of the problem and how to deal with it. The good news is that it is possible to prevent and treat tooth decay thanks to modern dentistry.
As one of the most common oral problems existing among children and adults these days, it is important to learn more about this dental condition. So, what is tooth decay, and how can you deal with it? Find out below...
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a progressive destruction of the tooth that can be extremely painful and costly. It occurs when dietary sugars are metabolized by bacteria into acids that then dissolve the hard tissues of the teeth. The caries process starts as a small hole in the enamel and advances through the dentin to affect the pulp and ultimately cause severe pain and loss of dental tissue.
Tooth decay affects people of all races and ages, although it is more common in some than others. Tooth decay is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including bacteria on teeth and certain foods that contain carbohydrates combined with natural acids that enhance the growth of bacteria.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
A lot of people think tooth decay is the result of eating too much sugar. This is an oversimplification. There are a number of factors that can contribute to tooth decay, including the foods you eat, the bacteria in your mouth, and your daily habits.
There are a few different things that cause tooth decay. First, bacteria. Bacteria live in your mouth and thrive on certain foods that you eat or drink. In fact, they're attracted to sugary foods and drinks like soda and candy. These bacteria produce acids as a byproduct of digesting those foods, and those acids eat away at the enamel on your teeth. The second big factor is acid erosion from drinks like soda or coffee or wine or beer or even fruit juice (fruit juice contains citric acid).
The third factor is how often you consume sugary foods and drinks (and acidic ones). Over time these can wear down your teeth's enamel and make the teeth easier targets for cavities to form in.
Can Tooth Decay be Treated?
A common way to treat tooth decay is through basic hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily, avoiding sugary snacks between meals, limiting sweets after meals, drinking water rather than soda or juice, visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and professional exams twice yearly; sometimes even more often if you have risk factors like diabetes or heart disease.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the most important preventative measure for avoiding tooth decay. This includes regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day to remove food particles that can get lodged between your teeth. Pay special attention to areas where food particles get trapped, such as the corners of your mouth or between your teeth.
These actions help remove plaque buildup on your teeth, which is what turns sugars into acid that eats away at the enamel and causes tooth decay. When you visit your dentist regularly, he or she will check for signs of tooth decay and determine what type of treatment is in order to prevent further damage. Whether it is a filling or removal of the tooth entirely depends on the severity of the decay and whether it has reached the nerve in the tooth.
Visit Buderim Dental Surgery and Avoid Tooth Decay
Buderim Dental, based in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, is a well-known family dental clinic with a large team of dental health specialists. With a wealth of knowledge and experience across the board, Buderim Dental is one of the best dental practices on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit their clinic for a dental checkup, preventative care, or for one of their specialized services, including teeth whitening and children’s dentistry. Contact them to make your appointment today!
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