Tooth Decay? What are they? How do they occur? Treatment? Prevention?
“Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel.” It can be caused by multiple things and treatment can vary depending on how severe the case is.
“Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel.” It can be caused by multiple things (diet is one of the main causes, alongside with not cleaning your teeth properly) and treatment can vary depending on how severe the case is. Tooth decay can also affect people of all ages. A “sticky film of bacteria” called plaque is constantly formed on your teeth; it is natural and this happens to everyone. However, when you eat or drink food that contains certain ingredients, such as sugar, the bacteria from the plaque can produce acids. These acids destroy the tooth enamel, which is the hardest and the outer most layer of the tooth, over time causing it to break down. This is when cavities can form. To treat tooth decay and cavities your dentist can apply concentrated fluoride, or you can get a filling. In severe cases, one can get crowns, root canal or even removal. There are ways to prevent tooth decay by followings these tips:*
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Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
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Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner
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Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking
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Check with your dentist about the use restorative dentistry
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Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination
Call us on 6255 7800 to book an appointment with your dentist or to get more information on ways to prevent decay
*All of our August posts are dental tips on maintaining that perfect smile.
References:
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/decay
- https://g.co/kgs/sNvwH
