Your teeth are a vital part of the body that should be taken care of in the best way possible. This is because they are vulnerable to a wide range of conditions. The teeth are made up of different parts, which include the crown, gumline, root, pulp, dentin, and enamel. Enamel is the outer layer of this particular part of your body that helps to ensure it is strong all the time. You need to take proper care of your enamel to leave it stronger than ever. Fluoride treatment is one procedure you can undergo to leave this particular part of your teeth strong. It involves the application of high concentrations of fluoride available in products such as fluoride varnish to your teeth.
The mineral is absorbed into faster into your teeth, leaving it stronger than ever. Bacteria buildup is the other factor that can leave your enamel weak. Going for dental procedures such as deep cleaning will leave your teeth stronger than ever. Your dentist will carry out different procedures that help get rid of dirt or bacteria that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing. They make good use of products such as prophy paste, which leave the surface of your teeth smooth and clean. Tooth decay is a condition you are likely to experience if you fail to take proper care of your teeth. It is a common problem characterized by the wearing out of the enamel and affects both adults and kids.
Causes of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a condition that comes about as a result of several factors in adults, teens, and kids. One of the leading causes of the disease is the high consumption of sugary foods. Plaque, a hard, sticky substance may start forming on your teeth. It harbors a lot of bacteria that can damage your teeth. Consuming starchy foods or sugary drinks speeds up the tooth decay process. This is because bacteria on your teeth break down sugars from the food you eat or beverages you consume to produce an acid. The acid produced wears out your teeth with time, leading to the formation of cavities or tooth decay. Plaque will ensure the acids produced keep contact with your teeth over a long time. To remove this plaque you need a teeth whitening kit.
Failure to observe proper oral care procedures is the other thing that causes tooth decay. Bacteria buildup may start when you fail to clean your teeth or observe other oral care procedures. Food remains on your teeth may attract bacteria or lead to the formation of plaque after some time. This will result in tooth decay. Inadequate fluoride in your mouth is the other thing that can expose you to tooth decay or the formation of cavities. Fluoride plays a crucial role in strengthening the enamel. It is available in the water we drink daily and also the saliva. Minimal amounts of the mineral in your mouth put you at high risk of experiencing tooth decay.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Taking swift measures to prevent the condition from arising leaves your teeth in good condition. Here are some of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
Dental Examinations
Going for regular dental examinations helps to ensure your teeth are in an ideal state all the time. You may lack all that is required to monitor the state of your teeth. Looking at them in the mirror will not give you a clear picture of the state of your teeth during a specific period. Look for a wonderful dental clinic where you will be examined by a professional. They have the right tools to check the condition of your teeth and give you a correct update of their status.
Scaling and Polishing
It is a procedure carried out by dentists that helps in the removal of plaque or any other hard to remove dirt from your teeth. Tartar buildup usually occurs with time, and you may find it difficult getting rid of the hard, sticky substance from your teeth. A dentist will use special tools such as scrapers designed to get rid of plaque from your teeth and gum pockets. They have the expertise needed to ensure the procedure is carried out carefully.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
You should go slow on the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume each day. Bacteria on your teeth break down sugars to produce an acid that causes demineralization. Limiting the intake of such foods and opting for a healthy diet reduces your chances of experiencing tooth decay or the formation of cavities. A healthy diet that is full of vitamins and minerals is essential for the development of healthy teeth and gums.
Regular Brushing
It is another essential practice that helps to prevent tooth decay to a certain extent. Through brushing, you will get rid of food particles that attract bacteria on your teeth. This practice should be carried out at least twice a day or after every meal. Look for the best toothbrush and paste that will guarantee you the best results in the process.
Fluoride Treatment
It is one of the best procedures that can keep you free from tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens your enamel, reducing the chances of the formation of cavities. Undergoing this type of treatment will leave your teeth in perfect shape. It involves the application of fluoride in higher concentrations to your teeth. Fluoride varnish or gel is used during the procedures. This type of treatment can be carried out at home or with the help of a medical expert. It should be done once every three months because high fluoride concentration can bring about tooth sensitivity.
Flossing
Flossing is all about getting rid of food remains and other forms of dirt from the spaces in between your teeth that cannot be removed using your regular toothbrush. Ignoring such areas leads to plaque buildup, which increases your chances of experiencing tooth decay. You should floss regularly to stay free from such. Experts advise you carry out such a practice at least twice a week.
Drink More Water
Water plays a crucial role when it comes to tooth decay prevention because it has high concentrations of fluoride. You should drink more water to keep your teeth strong and healthy. If the water in your area does not have the right amounts of the mineral, then you should consult your dentist on the right fluoride supplements to use.
Quit Smoking
Habits like smoking increase your chances of experiencing tooth decay. Tar found in tobacco stains your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to a wide range of conditions. Smoking also leaves your mouth dry. Saliva in your mouth contains some levels of fluoride essential in strengthening your teeth. A dry mouth means you are highly likely to experience tooth decay. Avoid smoking at all costs to be on the safe side.
Taking quick measures to prevent the condition from arising keeps you free from other conditions that can occur as a result. You are at high risk of experiencing gum condition and cardiovascular conditions due to severe tooth decay. This is because the disease spreads deeper into your gums, affecting your nerves and certain blood vessels. Preventing the condition early keeps you free from experiencing such. You will also save a lot of money that would have been incurred on future treatments when you prevent tooth decay. Leaving it to escalate may see you spend a lot in several treatment procedures in the future.
It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure their kids are free from the condition. You should start by training them different oral care practices such as brushing and flossing at an early age. Kids also love snacks and other sugary foods a lot. This is something you should limit them from using as a parent. Take them for regular oral care procedures to have their teeth examined and ensure they are in an ideal state all the time. Follow these procedures to prevent tooth decay.
