Dental caries, more commonly known as cavities, is one of the most treated dental problems internationally. About 36% of adults world-wide suffer from dental caries of their permanent teeth, As stated in part one of this series, cavities are more common in the developed nations who have access to processed and refined-sugar food products than in 2nd and 3rd world countries.
What Exactly is Dental Decay?
Tooth decay is a bacterial-based infection that causes continuing decay and break down of the tooth structure. Multiple bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Streoptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli are culprits of dental caries in both tooth roots and crowns (tops). The tooth is gradually “eaten away” by the bacteria found in plaque, causing a weakening and destruction of the tooth.
How Does Dental Caries Develop in the Mouth?
Lack of proper oral hygiene is the leading cause of dental caries. Other influences include consuming an over-abundance of refined sugars and carbohydrates, and the ingesting of acidic or alcoholic drinks. All these food options tend to minimize the pH levels within the mouth, and add up to the type of environment for bacteria to thrive.
In addition, saliva reduction due to numerous medical and dental disorders can result in prime circumstances for bacteria to grow and replicate, such as Altiheimer’s disease, diabetes, or salivary duct blockage. Saliva maintains oral pH levels as it cleanses and anti-bacterializes. So if saliva is reduced, it creates the best scenario for bacterial growth.
How Can You Prevent Dental Caries?
The age old proverb that “prevention is better than remedy” is especially true of dental health too! Once a tooth is plaque-ridden with cavities, the process cannot be undone. Worse, the only treatment available for dental decay is to remove the diseased tissue and replace it with a filling. Thus far, no interchangable material has been developed, so the filling isn’t as strong as the natural tooth. So make sure you take good care of your teeth to prevent dental caries.
Routine Teeth Maintenance
Studies have shown that brushing your teeth twice a day can minimize the threat of cavities. Even more important is to follow the recommendations of your dentist. He or she will probably also encourage you to use dental floss and a fluoride mouthwash to grant additional prevention of tooth decay.
Food and Nutrient Choices
A healthy diet is important for general health and also for your teeth. A diet chock-full of refined sugars provides an ideal environment for caries-causing bacteria to prosper within the oral cavity. When your saliva breaks down some sugars, the intra-oral pH drops.
For every sugar you avoid, you should enjoy foods with minerals such as calcium and phosphorous. These are essential for optimum bone and tooth health. Vitamins and Omega 3s are also great things to include in your food intake, as they’ve been proven to prevent tooth decay.
Fight with Fluoride
Similarly to the minerals mentioned above, studies show fluoride helps battle against caries growth. Fluoride can either be utilized externally to teeth surfaces via toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gum, or a dentist can apply fluoride-rich varnishes or gels at your next dental appointment. Additionally, fluoride can be consumed via the diet. However, before taking advantage of any fluoride product, we recommend asking your dentist to confirm the need for it.
Visit Your Dentist Often
While most people consider caries to only affect the outside of the tooth, decay can also afflict the inside structure of the teeth. Your dentist has equipment available in their dental office, such as x-rays and intra-oral cameras, and can detect caries throughout the oral cavity. Regular dental visits are the smartest way to stay on top of your overall oral health, including prevention, early detection, and treatment of dental decay. Our Carrollton office staff would happily help you, so give us a call to schedule a stop-in.
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