Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay or Dental caries is chemical change (possibly demineralization) of the tooth surface caused by acids in the mouth. This protracted loss of minerals like calcium and phosphate from enamel and dentine cause Cavities. A white spot on the tooth, near the gums, may be an early sign of demineralization. At this early stage minerals can be swapped with the help of fluoride. If minerals continue to be lost, cavity forms in the tooth and filling is needed to restore the harm. Tooth decay in adults is common on the chewing surfaces, the surfaces between the teeth and around fillings.
What to Do for Preventing Tooth Decay?
Daily brushing and flossing can help in removing plaque carefully from all tooth surfaces. You may check the effectiveness of your brushing by using disclosing tablets to show where you are not removing all the plaque. Here are some tips for the prevention from cavities:
- Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime.
- Use a soft toothbrush. Brush in a set outline so that you do not miss any teeth.
- Use floss to clean between teeth where cavities often develop
- Make adjustments in your diet to reduce sugar intake.
- If you have the feeling of a dry mouth, talk to your dentist.
- Have a regular dental check up, at least once a month.
How Fluoride Can Prevent Cavities?
Fluoride acts against the demolition of the tooth surface by acids formed by bacteria. It forms a layer of fluoride on the teeth from which fluoride is released during any acid attack. It lessens the loss of minerals from the tooth and promotes the repair.
Why Increase Cavity Protection in Case of a Dry Mouth?
Main reason for dry mouth is Lack of saliva. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away or neutralizes the acids and puts minerals back into teeth. If you lack ample saliva flow, your teeth can decay and wear away easily and gum problems may increase.
Things like smoking, caffeine, some medicines and illnesses that affect saliva glands may reduce your saliva flow. It is advised not to drink sugary drinks to relieve the feeling of a dry mouth. These habits can cause rapid tooth decay.
Use Oral Care Products for Effective Caries Protection
- Fluoride Toothpaste:
Saliva alone is not enough to prevent tooth decay for most people because of their diet habits. Fluoride is necessarily helpful for those people. Using fluoride toothpaste twice in a day and drinking fluoride water will provide enough protection from cavities. However, additional fluoride protection may be needed if the risk of tooth decay is higher. You must consult the Dentist in the case. - Toothbrush:
It is essential that you remove plaque regularly and carefully from all tooth surfaces by brushing and flossing. Daily accumulation of plaque can result to form calculus and Calculus cannot be removed by brushing. Calculus catches more plaque and makes it more difficult to keep teeth clean. - Dental Floss:
Dental floss is the best product to clean between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. About 40% of tooth surfaces are inter-dental surfaces (between teeth). If flossing is not possible, then there are other means too like inter-dental brushes and toothpicks. Get the advice of your dentist to solve any of your Dental problems.