Dentists and Tooth Decay Education

Dentists are people who can help to ensure that your teeth last for a lifetime. Just as you need to take steps to ensure that you take good care of other parts of your body both inside and out the same can be said for your teeth. The earlier in life that you are taught the importance of caring for your teeth and gums the better able will you be to ward off such problems as tooth decay, cavities, dental plaque, erosion of tooth enamel, toothaches and bad breath. You can prevent many oral problems from getting underway and/or from getting worse by treating your teeth and gums with the tender loving care that they deserve.

Dentists can teach you how to care for your teeth in terms of brushing and flossing. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for an examination, x-rays and a cleaning by a dental hygienist. If you have a serious problem with your teeth or gums then you may need to go to see your dental professional more often, such as every three months.

Tooth decay is a common dental issue that is more prevalent in children than in adults, although adults can still suffer from it. Decay can take place anywhere on a tooth although the most common places for it to develop include the chewing surface, in between the teeth or close to the gum line. Tooth decay leads to cavities and cavities must be filled in order for them to not get any worse.

There are many things that can cause tooth decay. Foods and beverages that are high in sugar content are offenders. Pastries, candies, sweets, cakes and any sticky sweet foods that can cling to the teeth can cause decay of the teeth. These foods contribute to the bacteria already found on the teeth and lead to the development of plaque.

The bacteria that naturally occur on the surface of teeth combines with the sugar from the food you eat to multiply. What this does is it creates acids that then eat away at the enamel of the teeth and cause cavities to start.

The longer period of time that bacteria have the opportunity to stay on the teeth the more acid will be produced leading to cavities. This is why brushing and flossing is so important. If you have any questions about your oral health then your dentist would be the one to ask.

Saliva can be helpful in decreasing the decaying of teeth. It can counteract some but not all of the effects caused by acids made by bacteria. Within saliva there are some types of minerals that can do their part to repair the enamel of the teeth. Foods such as apples and carrots that must be chewed a lot before they are swallowed are instrumental in stimulating the action of saliva. Not only is this healthy for the teeth but also for the gums. When you have less saliva than usual in your mouth and you combine this with eating sugary foods the potential for tooth decay increases. Talk with dentists today about all of your oral health concerns.