When it comes to battling tooth decay, prevention
is the key...
Tooth Decay describes the break down of strong
healthy teeth over time.
Your tooth's surface is composed of a hard mineral
coating called enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in
your body, but it is by no means indestructible.
Actually, enamel is almost constantly exposed to plaque
producing bacteria. Plaque is the substance that covers
your teeth and eats away at the enamel causing the holes
known as cavities.
Brushing your teeth, flossing
and regular dental visits will help keep plaque under
control. Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to
tartar buildup which brushing and flossing alone can not
remove.
Letting plaque get out of control can lead to many oral
problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum
recession Periodontal disease and tooth loss.
The bacteria in your mouth produces plaque throughout the
day, especially after meals. The highest plaque
production comes after eating foods high in sugars, carbs
and starch.
To protect yourself from the damage plaque can
cause or limit your teeth's exposure to plaque there are
some simple steps you can take:
- Brush your teeth after every meal (a toothbrush at
the office is a great idea, besides oral health it will
help get rid of the garlic you had for lunch)
- floss or use an equivalent tool for cleaning
between teeth, especially in the morning and before
bed
- if you chew gum, make sure it is sugarless, chewing
gum after a meal will freshen your breath as well as
encourage saliva production for flushing away plaque
causing bacteria and sugar attached to your teeth
- enjoy a healthy diet low in sugars and balanced
nutritionally
- if you enjoy a sugary snack, have it with a meal
- visit your dentist regularly, and if you are prone
to cavities, ask about dental sealants and other
preventative treatments
By keeping your teeth, gums and mouth clean, you
will enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. Plus,
barring any accidents or other misfortunes, most of your
teeth will really be "your teeth".
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