How does tooth decay happen? How does it progress, and what can you do to prevent the most common tooth decay problems? Dentists see tooth decay in its various stages all the time, and there are five common problems that they see over and over again. Here are the top five tooth decay problems that dentists encounter every day.
1) Pearly Whites Are So Important
Teeth problems are very common. Many of them can be prevented, but sometimes people just don’t care enough about their teeth. And if they do try to fix them, it’s not until it becomes a problem that they seek out treatment. For example, tooth decay is one of the most common problems in dentistry. It can be treated with tooth fillings or even more serious treatments like root canal therapy. But prevention is always better than cure and so it’s best to learn how to prevent tooth decay from happening in your mouth. Here are some tips on how you can protect your pearly whites: 1) Don’t eat too much sugar - Sugar consumption is a major factor in tooth decay. To keep your teeth healthy, cut back on sugar-rich foods and drinks (like soda).
2) Brush regularly - You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Your dentist will tell you exactly what to use (and what not to use), but generally brushing with fluoride toothpaste after every meal is important. If possible, brush before bedtime because plaque tends to build up overnight while we sleep!
3) Visit your dentist regularly - This might seem obvious, but regular checkups are essential for preventing cavities from forming or existing ones from getting worse.
2) Fluoride Can Help Prevent Cavities
Fluoride is known for protecting against cavities, but there are many other ways to prevent tooth decay. If you’re prone to painful dental issues like sensitivity and receding gums, your dentist may be able to help with that—but it’s still a good idea to know what tooth problems you’re most likely to face in life so you can stay on top of them. As such, here are five of dentistry’s most common problems—and how they can be treated at home: ## 1. Cavities Cavities occur when an imbalance of bacteria in your mouth breaks down sugar and starches into acids that attack teeth. In some cases, these acids can get deep into tooth enamel and cause lasting damage. The best way to deal with cavities is by brushing twice daily (or more) and flossing once daily (or more). Your dentist will also recommend using fluoride-based products like mouthwash or chewing gum as well as regular cleanings from your hygienist. ## 2. Sensitivity Sensitivity occurs when exposed nerves inside teeth send pain signals to your brain whenever hot or cold food or drink comes in contact with them.
3) In-Between Cleanings and Exams Matter
After every appointment, you might notice a slip of paper with a tooth decay remedy written on it. What exactly does that mean? It simply means that your dentist has identified a few areas of your mouth—such as near fillings or dental crowns—that are susceptible to cavities and other problems. Cavity protection products can help reduce plaque buildup near those vulnerable areas so you don’t end up with more serious problems later. So if your next cleaning or exam comes around and you notice something like that on your list of instructions, don’t ignore it! Add cavity protection products to your daily routine to keep yourself as healthy as possible. For those who need a little extra help keeping their teeth in tip-top shape, ask your dentist about fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps prevent decay by strengthening enamel and making teeth more resistant to acids found in foods and drinks. Most dentists will give patients fluoride treatments once per year at their checkups, but some offer them more frequently depending on how much risk patients face for developing decay. If you have children who are especially at risk for developing cavities (i.e., they eat lots of sugary snacks), ask about getting fluoride treatments twice per year instead of just once per year. Or go ahead and schedule them twice per year to make sure your child's teeth stay strong throughout his or her development years (recommended for kids between 2-4 years old).
4) Sugary Drinks Lead to Cavities
Sugary drinks are known to be bad for our waistlines, but did you know that consuming these beverages is linked to a higher risk of cavities? Sugary drinks can increase your risk of tooth decay. If you’re trying to avoid future dental problems, it’s important to be aware of some of the foods and drinks that are likely to cause damage. To cut down on cavities and keep your teeth healthy, limit sugary foods and beverages as much as possible—water is always a great alternative! Eating Foods with High Acid Levels Can Lead to Cavities: Acidic foods may be enjoyable in small doses, but if you consume them regularly, they could lead to serious dental issues. Some examples of acidic foods include oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes and apples. Acids dissolve enamel in your mouth (the protective layer on top of your teeth), which means that acidity is one major factor behind tooth decay.
5) Smoking Causes Oral Cancer and Increases Tooth Decay
Smoking causes oral cancer because nicotine has a hardening effect on gum tissue, which can lead to mouth cancer. It also increases tooth decay because it causes plaque to build up in your mouth, which provides bacteria with an excellent medium for growing. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t smoke, you can still be affected by its negative effects. In fact, 90 percent of all non-smokers who live with smokers suffer from gum disease as a result. If you want healthy teeth and gums at any age, consider quitting now! This is something that anyone can do; there are plenty of apps available to help you quit and see how long it takes before you break down and buy another pack of cigarettes.
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