Sodas, desserts and honey may taste good, and we find it difficult to resist these on most occasions, but what effect does it have on our teeth? All of us yearn to have bright, white teeth as it enhances our beauty, but we often forget to follow the small routines that will result in healthy teeth.
Besides accentuating our beauty, white, healthy teeth enable us to avoid toothaches and enable us to chew good nutrition. Dental experts have proven that gum disease can lead to other serious health conditions such as heart disease. You can find out more from Authority Reports.
Causes Of Tooth Decay
The most common causes of tooth decay result from a combination of poor oral hygiene, consuming excessive sugar and plaque, which covers your teeth like a film. Plaque is made up of saliva, bacteria and food particles. The food particles are broken down by the bacteria. When this occurs, acid begins to form on the surface of your teeth.
The acid will attack the enamel that is coating the teeth and decay it if you do not clean your teeth regularly. You can also spread the bacteria that causes tooth decay through saliva.
Children are prone to tooth decay as the enamel on milk teeth is much more sensitive than the enamel on adult’s teeth. Parents should ensure that young children do not consume soda drinks and sweet foods as these cause a tremendous amount of damage to teeth.
What Are The Symptoms?
If you are wondering what the signs of tooth decay are, you should look out for brown or white spots on your teeth. When tooth decay exacerbates, cavities will gradually form on the surface of the teeth. Tooth decay may cause damage to the nerves in your teeth when its deeper layers have been affected.
Once this happens, your teeth will become sensitive to cold beverages and sweets. In certain cases, tooth decay can cause such tremendous harm to the teeth that you will need to replace the teeth.
How To Keep Teeth Healthy?
Tongue Brushing
When you see kids brushing their tongue, it is not because they are messing around, in fact, brushing your tongue helps to fight the bacteria in your mouth. Besides the direct benefit of keeping your teeth healthy, brushing your tongue prevents bad breath.
Begin At A Young Age
Studies have shown that 1 in 4 children show signs of tooth decay before they have begun the first day of school. Health experts have advised parents to ensure their children get dental care as soon as the child’s first tooth develops. This usually happens when the child is around 6 months old. You can wipe the child’s teeth with a damp cloth or a soft brush.
Dental Sealants
Parents need to speak to the dental professional about getting dental sealants for the child at age 6 when permanent molars have developed. Parents can apply thin coatings to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth of the child to protect the teeth from decay. Dental sealants have gained prominence as it has proved to be very effective in preventing tooth decay.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. You should consume water that is fluoridated. If the water you consume is not fluoridated, speak to your dental expert about fluoridated applications to your teeth. The dental expert will probably suggest mouth rinses and toothpaste that contain fluoride.
Brush And Floss Daily
If you think that tooth decay and gum bleeding occur only in older people, think again. Studies have proven that three-fourths of teenagers suffer from bleeding gums. To prevent tooth decay and bleeding gums, make sure that you change your toothbrush at least 3 times a year. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily.
Keep Your Equipment Clean
After every brush, make sure that your toothbrush is clean. By not cleaning the toothbrush, you promote the buildup of bacteria on the brush. Keep your toothbrush in an upright position and store it in the open. The bristles need airflow to keep it clean. Make sure that you replace your toothbrush as soon as you notice frayed bristles.
