Preventing Tooth Decay
Preventing Tooth Decay
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PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY
ON THIS PAGE
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY
8 Steps to Preventing Tooth Decay
The enamel (the tooth’s outer coating) and the dentin layer of the tooth can both be harmed by tooth decay.
When carbohydrates (sugars and starches) from foods like bread, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth, it results in tooth rot. Acids are produced by the digestion of these foods by bacteria that are present in the mouth. Plaque, which adheres to the teeth, is created when bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva come together. Cavities are holes in the teeth that are caused by the acids in plaque dissolving the enamel coating.
8 Steps to tooth decay prevention
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Use toothpaste with fluoride at least twice a day to brush your teeth. Brush ideally after every meal and especially before bed.
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Use dental floss or interdental cleaners every day to remove food particles from between your teeth.
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Use a fluoride-containing mouthwash every day to rinse. Some rinses also contain antiseptic components to aid in the destruction of plaque-causing microorganisms.
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Eat wholesome, balanced meals and avoid eating too many snacks. Avoid foods that include carbohydrates that might cause teeth surface stains, such as sweets, pretzels, and chips. If you eat anything sticky, wash your teeth right away.
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Ask your dentist if using additional fluoride, which strengthens teeth, may be beneficial.
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To prevent tooth decay, ask your dentist about applying dental sealants, a plastic protective covering, to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars).
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Drink fluoride-infused water. For youngsters to be protected against tooth decay, at least one pint of fluoridated water must be consumed daily.
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For routine oral examinations and professional cleanings, visit your dentist.
New methods of reducing tooth decay are being developed by researchers. According to one study, the xylitol sweetener in chewing gum temporarily slowed the growth of the bacteria that cause mouth conditions like tooth decay. Additionally, a number of substances that gradually release fluoride over time are being researched in an effort to stop further decay. These substances would be inserted between teeth or in the crevices and pits of teeth. Researchers are also looking towards toothpaste and mouthwashes that might “cure” and prevent early cavities.