Understanding Tooth Decay
You may not know it, but your mouth is continually trying to wear down your teeth. The bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth mix with your saliva and bits of food in your mouth to form a coating (dental plaque) that sticks to your teeth. When this plaque hardens, it becomes tartar.
The acids in both the plaque and the tartar wear away the teeth’s enamel. These acids can get inside the teeth and create holes or cavities. Tartar forms a rough area on the teeth and can be stained much more easily than healthy enamel. Everyone is at risk for getting cavities throughout life. By the time they’re adults, 85 percent of people will have had a cavity! Here are a few activities that increase your risk of tooth decay; we’re sure you’ll recognize a few:
- High sugar and carbohydrate diet: These types of foods attract the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Combine poor diet with poor dental hygiene and presto, you have tooth decay.
- Lack of dental care: Regular cleaning is needed to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Dental care includes both your own daily regimen and routine follow-up with your dentist.
- Smoking: Smokers have more tooth decay than nonsmokers. One reason is that smokers produce less saliva, which cleans the teeth and inside of the mouth. Smokers also have a higher incidence of gum disease, because smoking decreases blood flow to the gums.
- Fluoride deficiency: Fluoride helps teeth ward off the acids that can erode the enamel. Some water supplies don’t have fluoride added in so check with your local water company and then pick up some fluorinated toothpaste!
As people age, they produce less saliva allowing more bacteria to accumulate in their mouths making the teeth even more susceptible to tooth decay and fractures. These bacteria don’t stop at the teeth and if allowed eventually wreak havoc on your gums and become a major instigator of bad breath.
Liked it
