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Important Tooth Decay Facts

In today’s society we are judged on how we look. If we do not look good then we must be failures. People are always looking for the next best products for their skin, hair and bodies. This obsession on how we look is blamed on TV advertising, celebrities and magazines. It goes without saying that the majority of people do look after their hair, skin, bodies and nails. One area that should be a priority that is often overlooked is dental hygiene. Regular dental hygiene is more important than just having white teeth.
As a child a visit to the dentist is often met with fear and dread. I used to hate the foul tasting treatments with fluoride that I suffered, and the seemingly constant inspections. It is with regret that I have to say that my teeth today are in a poor condition. This is through my own carelessness with my dental routine as well as a liking for eating anything sugary.
Brushing our teeth for an insuficient amount of time will lead to small amounts of food stuffs remaining in our mouths, especially around the teeth. Sadly the bacteria in the mouth can feed off this and replicate at an alarming rate. Bacteria produce acid and it is this acid which causes most harm to our teeth. If the bacteria has a large amount of material to “feed” off then it is obvious that there will be more bacteria and, therefore, more acid and, subsequently, more damage to our teeth. Ultimately the acid will cause cavities and, eventually, the tooth may collapse.
Streptococcus Mutans is the name of the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Cavities can appear in teeth in as little as six months, if proper care is not taken of them, or take as long as six years to appear, if more care is taken. The tooth enamel (outer layer of tooth) is hard, whilst the inner tooth is softer. Because the enamel is hard it can take a lot longer for decay to occur but once it does the softer centre of the tooth is exposed and is destroyed a lot quicker.
Brushing is not the only form of defence in fighting tooth decay, flossing is very important too and should be part of a daily routine. Because the the spaces between teeth are very narrow, food becomes easily trapped, and hence bacteria forms. This area is where cavities are most common, and the correct manner of removing foods from here is flossing.
Mouthwash is also an essential part of good dental hygiene. It has an anti-bacterial action as well as freshening breath. The anti-bacterial action fights the bacteria left in the mouth after brushing and flossing, further reducing the chances of decay. Some people do not like the taste of mouthwash but there is such a large choice that there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
The best way to prevent tooth decay would to eliminate all things responsible for the damage. This is not always easy or practical, but by following a simple routine the chances of decay are greatly reduced. The first thing to do would be to ensure one brushes and flosses at least twice daily. Not doing so is the main reason for tooth decay. Next sugar consumption should be reduced, but be vigilant as a lot of foods have a higher sugar content than one might realise. Today there is no need to take fluoride supplements as this is already introduced into our drinking water supply. Last but not least, avoid smoking. Not only does tobacco stain the teeth it can also increase the chances of tooth decay.
Having a poor dental hygiene routine is what eventually leads to decay and bad breath. If we all learnt how to look after our teeth properly, and followed the advice of our dentists, then we would not need to visit him so often for unpleasant treatments.