We have all heard of tooth decay, dental cavities, and other such phrases before. However, do you know the exact causes of teeth cavities? Are you aware of measures that can be taken to avert dental caries and maintain healthy teeth for a longer period of time? Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or cavity, which is a common dental problem in humans and animals alike. It occurs when sugars from food are broken down by bacteria and acids in the mouth. Irrespective of your age or the kind of diet you follow, it is possible to develop tooth decay at any point in your life.
What are the causes of tooth decay?
Before we move on to prevention, let’s take a look at the primary causes of tooth decay. The major factors leading to tooth decay are diet, oral hygiene, and genetics. The primary factor that leads to tooth decay is a diet that is rich in sugar. Sugary foods and drinks are known to cause tooth decay. Furthermore, these foods also lead to the creation of acid in the mouth that is a major cause of tooth decay. The primary culprits in this regard are carbonated drinks and fruit juices.
Another factor that leads to tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. One needs to brush their teeth after every meal. Brushing your teeth removes the food particles that have adhered to the teeth. It also helps in removing the bacteria that leads to tooth decay. However, brushing teeth after every meal is not enough. You also need to clean your mouth with the help of a mouthwash. Dentists also recommend flossing after each meal to clean the inter-dental spaces between the teeth.
Tips for prevention of tooth decay form dentist
There are certain daily dental care habits that you need to adopt to avert dental cavities. The first and the most important thing you need to do is to maintain a balanced diet. You need to be especially careful while choosing your sugary foods. Instead of having candies and chocolates, you can have dried fruits. Another important thing you need to do is brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You need to be careful about the technique of brushing your teeth. You also need to replace your toothbrush after every three months to prevent tooth decay.
Daily dental care habits for preventing dental cavities
Drink plenty of water – The first and the most important thing you need to do is to drink plenty of water. Water helps in keeping your mouth clean.
Avoid eating between meals – You need to avoid eating between meals as it causes food particles to get stuck between your teeth. These particles can cause bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Avoid smoking and alcohol – Smoking and alcohol are known to cause bacteria growth in the mouth which can cause tooth decay.
Use mouthwash as an adjunct – Mouthwashes can act as an adjunct to regular oral hygiene measures. They help reduce the bacterial load present in the mouth.
Reducing carbonated drinks – Reduce the consumption of carbonated drinks as they have high quantities of sugar in it and can create an outer coating on the tooth.
Get cavities filled right away – Another benefit of seeing your dentist twice per year is that they can identify cavities early on and fill them right away. Dental fillings can restore the shape and stability of your teeth and help prevent further damage such as tooth decay or tooth loss.
The right type of toothpaste with fluoride – Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste as it will protect your teeth from getting cavities. Avoid toothpaste that contains harsh abrasives as it can slowly grind the enamel.
Regular dental visits – You must visit your dentist at least twice a year as they would be able to diagnose a cavity long before it gets bad enough to cause sensitivity and pain.
Conclusion
Tooth decay is a common dental problem that affects people of all ages. You are most likely to develop tooth decay if you don’t maintain a proper oral hygiene. There are certain daily dental care habits that can help avert tooth decay. You can also take preventive measures to avert tooth decay by adopting a balanced diet and brushing twice a day.
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