Tooth decay is one of the most commonly occurring oral diseases among children and older adults. Tooth decay or cavity formation refers to the damage of the enamel (outer layer of the teeth) and the dental pulp, that is present in the inner layers of the teeth.
Tooth decay is the result of eating an excessive amount of foods such as fruits, milk, cakes, soda, cereals, candy, and bread. When the particles of these types of foods get stuck in the grooves and pits of the teeth, the natural bacteria present in our mouth utilize them and turn them into acid. The combination of acid, bacteria and food debris accumulate and form a sticky film called plaque, which is the main culprit of tooth decay in humans. The plaque has an acidity that dissolves the enamel of the teeth and causes the formation of holes called cavities.
Tooth decay, if not treated at the right time, can give rise to oral diseases like weak/bleeding gums, discolouration of teeth, and in worst cases, permanent tooth loss. Thus, one must take all the precautionary measures no matter what age, to maintain a plaque-free oral environment.
The following are some prevention tips that everyone should follow to avoid the growth of tooth decay and cavities.
- USE TOOTHPASTE CONTAINING FLUORIDE:
You can efficiently limit the accumulation of plaque if you brush at least twice a day, and ideally, after every meal. Fluoride works like magic against stubborn plaque, so if you brush your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride regularly, you are safe from tooth decay.
- RINSE YOUR MOUTH WITH WARM SALTWATER:
If you rinse your mouth with warm salty water after every meal, you balance the pH of your oral cavity. After eating food, the pH of the mouth lowers down and becomes acidic, which is favourable to bacterial growth. However, if you keep a balance of pH after every meal, you can limit the acidic activity and cease any plaque formation in return.
- SCHEDULE FREQUENT DENTIST VISITS:
If you visit your dentist regularly, he/she can pinpoint any issue in the initial stages that will help in strategizing the right treatment at the right time. Catching tooth decay at the start is so much better than curing it when it has reached the last stage. Keeping the proverb “Prevention is better than cure” visit a professional dentist every three months to maintain sound oral hygiene.
- CONSUME TEETH-FRIENDLY FOOD:
Try to incorporate the type of foods that are healthy for your teeth in your diet. Some food and beverages are sticky and cling onto your teeth. This triggers the acid formation due to the actions of bacteria in the mouth and disbalances the pH environment. The pH discrepancy leads to the accumulation of plaque and cavities. Add food like fruits and fresh vegetables in your diet that help in increasing the rate of saliva. Moreover, the use of unsweetened coffee and tea can also help wash away sticky food particles from the mouth.
To know more about how you can keep your oral health safe and free of tooth decays, visit our emergency dentists in Wigan.