After the common cold, tooth decay is the most wide spread disease in America today. Teeth can last a lifetime by paying attention to preventive measures, which include good home care and regular professional care.
The decay process begins as food mixes with plaque, the thin sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms in the mouth. As bacteria feed on these simple sugars and starches, they produce acids that attack the teeth. The greatest damage is done the first twenty minutes after food has been eaten.
After repeated acid attacks, the protective enamel covering of the tooth breaks down. Unless it is treated, the decay will penetrate even deeper into the tooth.
Tooth decay (and gum disease) can be prevented before it starts. The American Dental Association Recommends these simple steps:
Good Nutrition
Learn to avoid sugar loaded snacks and other high-carbohydrate foods. Every food or drink that contains sugar triggers at least twenty minutes of acid formation, so frequent snacking can produce a nearly constant bath of enamel destroying acid in your mouth.
Sticky foods are worse, because they cling to the teeth, providing a constant source of sugar for the bacteria to convert the acids. Also, choose a balanced diet from the four food groups to build and maintain the gums and bones that support the teeth.
Brush Your Teeth
Twice daily brushing removes the plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Your toothbrush must have soft, polished bristles, and sized so that every tooth can be reached. Our office does recommend certain brands of electric toothbrushes. They can be very helpful for those of you who form plaque at higher levels, and need the extra scrubbing that the electric can provide.
Floss Daily
Flossing removes the plaque and food from between the teeth and gums.
These areas should be cleaned once a day since decay and gum disease often start in places where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a skill! It must be perfected with practice.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride combines with the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Today there are many brands of fluoride toothpaste; it's just a matter of picking the one that has the taste that you prefer. Children under the age of 16 should have fluoride supplements in the form of drops, tablets, or mouthwashes, depending on their age. Adults also can benefit from fluoride as a gel or rinse. Please ask us if fluoride would benefit your oral health.
Regular Checkups
Dental visits are a very important part of preventive dental care. Problems can be detected and treated early, and home care practices can be recommended and reinforced.
