Tooth Decay

Learn More About Tooth Decay
In Order to Keep Feeling Great

“Don’t Let Tooth Decay Ruin Your Smile - Learn More About How to Prevent Tooth Decay”

Did You Know The Following About Tooth Decay…?
A person develops tooth decay when foods containing sugars and starches known as carbohydrates are left on the teeth. Some examples of specific types of food that can cause cavities if left on your teeth are the following:

• Breads
• Cereals
• Milk
• Fizzy drinks
• Fruits
• Cakes
• Sweets and chocolate

A bacterium that lives in the mouth absorbs these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food wastes, and saliva merge together to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque melt away the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth. These ugly holes are known as cavities.

What can you do to prevent cavities?
Although even the best dental insurance plan will not prevent a cavity it will soften the financial blow should you get one. Here are eight helpful tips so you do not have to end up with a mouth full of unwanted cavities.

1. Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth - Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you want to do it the right way in order to avoid cavities from occurring then you need to brush after each meal, and especially before going to bed.
2. Floss - Floss your teeth daily with dental floss.
3. Daily Diet - Eat nutritious and well-balanced meals
4. Stay Away from the Bad Foods - As mentioned before, avoid carbohydrates such as sweets, pretzels and crisps, which can stay on the surface of your tooth and cause tooth decay.
5. If The Food Is Sticky Do Extra Brushing - If you eat foods that are sticky make sure you brush your teeth shortly afterwards
6. Dental Sealants - Ask your dentist about dental sealants. Sealants are a plastic protective coating put on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to protect them from tooth decay.
7. Drink fluorinated water - Children need to drink at least a pint of fluoridated water each day. Fluorinated water is necessary to protect children from tooth decay.
8. Dental Visits - Make sure you visit your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and oral examinations.

The dental community is consistently working on new ways to prevent tooth decay. Until they find the magic solution to stop tooth decay permanently your best bet is to follow the rules above. Make sure you schedule frequent visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings.

An Australian consumer group warns that sugar-free treats can severely damage your children’s teeth. Although sugar-free treats give the impression of being healthy, the acidic content will affect t your child’s dental health.

Brad Schmitt A spokes person for Choice, the consumer group, stated "People look at products that have ‘sugar-free’ on the label and think they are good for your teeth. What they don’t realise is these products in some cases are just as bad,"

The group surveyed 85 different processed snacks and drinks including Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain bars and Golden Circle orange juice both of which were high in acid and sugar.

Acids will ruin your child’s tooth enamel
Although sugars will cause tooth erosion since bacteria thrive on it, acids are just as bad. Acids in food attack the tooth’s enamel. Dental enamel is the hard tissue on the outside of the tooth that helps maintain shape and structure.

Acids soften the enamel making attacks from bacteria so much easier.
Consumers should be aware of the many foods and drink that are high in acidity and of the acids that can negatively affect their child’s dental health.
Should snacks be removed from children’s diets?

Schmitt said, "Kids love their muesli bars and fruit snacks but parents should limit them to be a once-a-week treat". Limiting your child’s snacks and soda drinks will ensure they maintain good dental health.

It is not always easy to see problems caused by acidic foods until it is too late. If you are unsure of the condition of your child’s teeth, take them for a quick dental check up.