subject: Keep Your Teeth And Prevent Tooth Decay [print this page] Plaque constantly forms on your teeth while you eat or drink foods that contain sugars or starches. Choosing the right foods in your diet is an essential part of having strong, healthy teeth and gums. The foods that you eat come in contact with germs and bacteria that live in your mouth. If you do not brush or floss properly, plaque can accumulate on your teeth, attacking enamel and eventually causing decay. Tooth decay is preventable and can be easily treated if caught early.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a degenerative oral health condition that results from the breakdown of tooth enamel. The destruction of tooth structure associated with decay can lead to the development of holes in the teeth, also referred to as cavities. Tooth decay is often caused as a result of dietary choices and oral hygiene practices. Many of the foods that we eat contain sugars and starches. When these foods are left on the teeth, plaque combines with the bacteria that live in the mouth. This combination produces acids that damage the tooth enamel causing tooth decay.
Plaque, a colorless, sticky film that blankets your teeth, creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel. It may also cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss. Plaque is the leading cause for tooth decay and can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and in some cases, bleeds. Over time, the decay process may cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, a condition called receding gums. Additionally, the long-term decay process can lead to infections in your gums and can eat away at the bone structures under the teeth.
Prevent Tooth Decay with Proper Nutrition
It is vital to maintain a healthy diet with proper nutrition to promote good oral hygiene and to avoid tooth decay. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more prone to form the acid that attacks tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay and even tooth loss. By limiting foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbonation, you can help to prevent tooth decay and improve your oral hygiene.
At any age, a complete oral health home program includes sound nutritional habits. Many of the foods that help our bodies build strong muscles and bones also help build strong, healthy teeth and gums. Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the necessary nutrients needed for maintaining good health. Every day, your body renews itself, building new muscle, bone, skin and blood. The foods that you eat provide these building blocks for new tissues. If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have more difficulty resisting infection.
Prevention Tips and Treatment
Tooth decay affects millions of people, but it can be easily prevented. The best ways to prevent tooth decay are:
*Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
*Floss daily to remove food debris from in between the teeth.
*Maintain a healthy diet of nutritious foods.
*Avoid snacks and drinks that are high in sugar.
*Visit your dentist in Virginia Beach for regular check-ups and dental cleanings.
*Have dental sealants placed on the biting surfaces of the back teeth.
If tooth decay is detected before it reaches the nerve of your tooth, your dentist can restore the tooth by removing the decay and replacing it with a dental filling. However, if tooth decay is left untreated it may reach the nerve. If the decay reaches the nerve of your tooth, root canal therapy may be needed to save your tooth.
Maintain regular visits to your dentist in Virginia Beach, VA for dental cleanings, as well as proper oral hygiene. Your dentist will be the first to notice any signs of decay, which can save your tooth if caught early.
