Tooth decay can involve both the enamel, which is the non-living part of the tooth and the roots, which are the tooth's fleshy parts. Tooth decay means the destruction of either or both of the central tooth parts. It arises from the action of acids that create cavities or holes through the enamel, which becomes the pathways to mouth bacteria accessing the root parts and brings infection.
These acids causing cavities are produced from the mouth bacteria's action to the leftover starchy food particles on the teeth. Each time we eat starch, the bits of food that remains in the mouth and on the teeth are acted upon by the mouth bacteria, causing acid formation. A combination of saliva, mouth bacteria, and these acids forms plaque, which sticks to the teeth. It is the acids in the sticky plaque that, over time, creates cavities from reacting with the enamel leading to tooth decay.
As earlier mentioned, cavities then become the lead ways to the root. These openings make the fleshy root part of the tooth vulnerable to the harmful mouth bacteria. It leads to infection of these delicate tooth parts. The condition causes the tooth to become painful, and the gum swells. It can become uncomfortable to tolerate a decayed tooth.
How to prevent tooth decay
The prevention of tooth decay lies in the mouth and tooth hygiene. The following tips can help you protect your teeth from decay.
- Brush your teeth after every meal and before going to bed. This will help remove the food remains on the teeth and prevent the mouth bacteria from creating acids in the teeth.
- Clean in between the teeth and rinse with a fluoride-containing solvent or paste every day at least twice a day.
- Avoid sticky sweets snacks and generally eat nutritious foods.
- Check with your dentist on the possibility of having dental sealants that prevent the top part of the enamel from erosion
- Drink fluoridated water to ensure that the acids and lousy mouth bacteria are cleaned up at least once in a day.
- Always visit your dentist for oral care and advice on maintaining a healthy dental cleanup routine.
Admire Dentistry is your home for holistic dental care. They offer family dental care services where you and your family can be covered with preventive, general, cosmetic dentistry among others. They have experienced and qualified dentists who use the latest technologies to ensure convenience in caring for your teeth. Admire Dentistry also has extended services like emergency dentistry, facial aesthetics, and pain-free technology. You can contact Admire Dentistry for more information.