Tooth Decay Things To Know | Dental

By MarkJohnston
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Many of us would openly, and in most cases, proudly admit to having a regular skin care regime. Many of us have regular appointments at the hairdresser and more and more book time at the local gymnasium. However how many of us can declare that we have a regular tooth care regime beside a quick brush of the teeth a few times a day? Sadly there are far too many people who neglect their teeth and suffer from tooth decay than is really necessary.

Where you, like me, one of those children who had to have a fluoride tooth treatment? I hated it and I was very distressed by the whole ordeal. My parents were very strict and I was continually told how and when to clean my teeth. However, now I am much older, I find that I have terrible tooth decay. Sadly I did not continue my good dental hygiene and badly neglected my teeth so, I suppose, I only have myself to blame.

If we do not clean out teeth often enough bacteria can breed in our mouths. These bacteria produce up to five hundred different substances, many of which are harmful. The acids produced burn and destroy the softer material of the tooth and can, eventually damage the tooth to such a degree that cavities and holes appear in the teeth.

The bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay is called Streptococcus mutans. Depending on how you care for your teeth it can take anywhere between six months and six years before a hole appears in the tooth. While the center of the tooth is rather soft and is easily damaged the outer layer, enamel, is far tougher and therefore takes far longer to become seriously damaged sufficiently to collapse.

One of the areas of the mouth which is most susceptible to decay is the tiny gap between each tooth. This is where dentists most often find cavities but they can be avoided. Rather than brushing your teeth with a toothbrush it is very important that you floss your teeth at the same time as this is really the only effective way in which to clean this area.

Another way in which to avoid cavities and tooth decay is to regularly use mouthwash. Just take a look at how many different types of mouthwash are available to choose from. Surely this tells you something of the importance of it's use? Not only does mouthwash help to keep your breath smelling nice and fresh it's main benefit is it's antibacterial action which lowers the levels of bacteria in the mouth and therefore reduces the risk of the tooth damaging acids from forming in the first place.

There are a number of ways in which you can stop tooth decay. The best way to do it is to follow good dental hygiene and avoid those things that are known to cause damage in the teeth. Here are the four most common causes; 1. Failure to brush and floss the teeth often enough. 2. Including too much sugar in the diet. Check the amount of sugar in all processed foods. 3. Lack of fluoride. This is relatively rare as many authorities now add fluoride to drinking water and nearly all dental products include fluoride. 4. Tobacco. Smoking, or chewing, tobacco is known to cause cavities.

By following the advice above and learning about teeth and what damages them it is hoped that you will begin to take better care of your teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to any number of things including bad breath, cavities and serious pain, all of them not very pleasant. Please look after your teeth.

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