Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. But if you really want to know what someone’s about, check their smile. A welcoming show of pearly whites makes a great first impression, while a tight-lipped smile or whiff of bad breath does the opposite.
Read on for tips on how to make sure you’re giving your teeth the care they deserve.
1. Brush two times a day for two minutes
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, says the American Dental Association (ADA). This will keep your teeth in top form. Brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste cleans food and bacteria from your mouth. Brushing also washes out particles that eat away at your teeth and cause cavities.
2. A morning brush fights morning breath
The mouth is 98.6ºF (37ºC). Warm and wet, it’s filled with food particles and bacteria. These lead to deposits called plaque. When it builds up, it calcifies, or hardens, on your teeth to form tartar, also called calculus. Not only does tartar irritate your gums, it can lead to gum disease as well as cause bad breath.
Be sure to brush in the morning to help get rid of the plaque that’s built up overnight.
3. Don’t overbrush
If you brush more than twice a day, for longer than four minutes total, you could wear down the enamel layer that protects your teeth.
When tooth enamel isn’t there, it exposes a layer of dentin. Dentin has tiny holes that lead to nerve endings. When these are triggered, you might feel all sorts of pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20 percentTrusted Source of American adults have experienced pain and sensitivity in their teeth.
4. Don’t turbocharge
It’s also possible to brush too hard. Brush your teeth like you’re polishing an eggshell. If your toothbrush looks like someone sat on it, you’re applying too much pressure.
Enamel is strong enough to protect teeth from everything that goes on inside your mouth, from eating and drinking to beginning the digestive process. Children and teens have softer enamel than adults, leaving their teeth more prone to cavities and erosion from food and drink.
5. Make sure you floss every day
Want to avoid minimal scraping at your next checkup? Flossing loosens the particles that brushing misses. It also removes plaque, and in so doing prevents the buildup of tartar. While it’s easy to brush plaque away, you need a dentist to remove tartar.
6. It doesn’t matter when you do it
You finally have an answer to the age-old question: “Which comes first, flossing or brushing?” It doesn’t matter, according to the ADA, as long as you do it every day.
7. Stay away from soda
“Sip All Day, Get Decay” is a campaign from the Minnesota Dental Association to warn people of the dangers of soft drinks. It’s not just sugar soda, but diet soda, too, that harms teeth. The acid in soda attacks teeth. Once acid eats away at enamel, it goes on to create cavities, leaves stains on the tooth surface, and erodes the inside structure of the tooth. To avoid drinking-related tooth decay, limit soft drinks and take good care of your teeth.
Don’t let stinky breath give you the blues. It is normal, and it happens to all of us from time to time - so, let us leave the judgement at the door. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur due to many reasons - food, lifestyle choices, dry mouth, or simply because it is morning and you have just woken up. Bad breath can occur more frequently than you’d expect, but there are things you can do to have fresh breath all day - and no, simply popping a piece of gum is not enough.
These 6 steps can make your breath smell fresh all day:
Lack of a good oral hygiene routine can significantly contribute to bad breath. But the good news is, halitosis can be self-treated and, in most cases, with simple tweaks in your oral hygiene routine. Let us look at how to avoid bad breath for good. Here are 6 easy steps to keep your breath smelling fresh all-day -
Use a proper toothbrush: Just brushing your teeth is not enough; you need to use a good toothbrush that can remove all the plaque, and leftover food particles that cause bad breath. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush that preserves the enamel of the teeth and yet removes plaque expertly. Try the Oral-B toothbrushes for best results, twice a day.
Take care of the technique: When in doubt, go back to the basics. Brushing teeth, even twice a day, isn’t enough if you don’t do it properly. The first thing to remember is to use circular motions. Clean the inner surfaces thoroughly and make sure you brush all sides of the teeth well. Also, use lighter, back and forth motions on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to remove all the leftover food particles.
Clean your tongue: This is an essential step if you want your breath to smell fresh. Despite brushing your teeth, there are still some bacteria left in the mouth, especially on the tongue. Because of the bacteria, very often there is a sticky white coating on the tongue, which commonly accompanies and contributes to halitosis, especially in the morning. So make sure to use a tongue scraper to thoroughly clean the tongue and remove this white coating. If you do not have a tongue scraper, then you can use a soft-bristled Oral-B toothbrush to gently peel-off this layer.
Use a mouthwash: After you are done brushing the teeth and cleaning the tongue, it is time to rinse your mouth with a dental-approved mouthwash formula. Not only will it go the extra mile to clean and protect your teeth but will also prevent many oral and gum diseases. Furthermore, depending on the flavor of the mouthwash, your breath will smell fresh and pleasant.
Floss after: This is a step you might want to skip but try not to if you don’t want your breath to smell bad. Sometimes pesky little food particles can enter any cavities or gaps in the teeth and get stuck there, often stinking up the breath. So, give your floss a chance once you’re done brushing your teeth and rinse with a mouthwash. Simple, waxed floss can help remove all the plaque and keep the breath super fresh.
Chew sugar-free gum: When you are out and about, especially when you haven’t eaten for a while, do not shy away from chewing a piece of gum. This is not a quick fix, but it works to keep bad breath at bay. This is because when you haven’t eaten for a while, the saliva production in the mouth goes down, and so does the moisture, which can lead to bad breath. So, go ahead and chew some gum- but make sure it is dental-recommended and sugar-free (because sugar is bad for the teeth!)
Additional tip: Advanced oral care - do not forget those dental appointments! Visiting the dentist periodically for cleaning and check-up can go a long way in preventing bad breath. Certain gum diseases such as gingivitis can contribute to bad breath, and not just in the mornings. So, take that dental appointment and get a thorough dental health check-up. If you want to know more about how to keep your breath fresh all day, your dentist may have a few extra tips to improve your oral hygiene routine.
So, these are some tips that will help you keep your breath minty fresh every day. Tweaking your oral hygiene routine can help keep bad breath at bay. But most importantly, make sure you use superior-quality dental products such as Oral-B electric toothbrush to get that pleasant breath and maintain dental hygiene for good!
Brushing our teeth is the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do before going to bed at night. Since brushing is the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine, an average person spends around 82 days brushing teeth, in their lifetime. Not to mention the amount of money and time that we spend on maintaining our oral hygiene.
But did you know that brushing incorrectly can cause more damage than good? All of our time, money, and efforts go down the drain if we commit these common mistakes while brushing.
Hard brushes are harsh on your teeth
It’s a myth that harder bristled brushes clean more effectively. Hard brushes are meant for people with perfect teeth and brushing habits. Overzealous uses of hard brushes cause loss of enamel and gum damage. So stick to a soft or medium bristle brush.
Fast and furious brushing
In this one-click world, does brushing teeth for more than 30 sec feels like a waste of time? Well, your teeth need to deserve at least 2 minutes of your time, twice a day to stay healthy. Brush aggressively will erode your enamel, no matter how soft or expensive your brush. Similarly brushing fast and calling it day will not clean your teeth and lead to mistakes. So be gentle and brush for 2 minutes.
Wrong brushing method will wrong your teeth
Brushing from side to side or horizontally is the most common and wrong way of brushing. It only spread germs from one tooth to another. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then move your brush in small circular strokes and then sweep away from the tooth. So use small sweeping strokes to clean your teeth and gently massage your gums.
Forgetting your inner teeth surfaces
The world sees the front of your teeth, but your body sees the back. Brushing your teeth only from the front will leave your inner tooth surfaces vulnerable to cavities and considered brushing mistakes. The back surfaces tend to accumulate a lot of food debris and bacteria on the account of being ignored. So brush the front, back as well as chewing surfaces of your teeth to avoid cavities.
A wet toothbrush is an open buffet for bacteria
Almost all of us are guilty of dumping our just used toothbrushes into our cabinets. Wet toothbrushes are bacteria magnets and the dark warm conditions of your cabinets will encourage bacterial growth. Allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before storing it away. Once they dry, keep them away from damp sink counters.
Brushing too often is just as bad
Overdoing is always overkilling. Just like brushing too little is harmful, brushing too much is also just as bad. Do not brush your teeth after every meal thinking that it will avoid cavities. It in reality will weaken your enamel. So stick to brushing well, just twice a day.
Not rinsing after brushing
Do you just spit out the paste after brushing and sit down to have breakfast? Rinsing well after brushing is a must to expel all the dislodged bacteria and food debris from your mouth. Fluoride-the anti-cavity component of your toothpaste needs some time to work in your mouth after use. So rinse well and do not have anything for half an hour after brushing your teeth.
Forgetting to floss
When was the last time you flossed like a boss? Brushing is just one-half of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing is important to remove all the food stuck in between your teeth. Our interdental area is the prime cavity-causing location of our teeth with about 1/3 of all the cavities starting there. So floss regularly to avoid cavities.
Ignoring your tongue
Do you brush well but still have a stinky breath? A dirty tongue is the cause of the mouth odor in about 45% of the cases. Our tongue hoards a lot of bacteria and small food debris under its rough surface and requires regular cleaning. So clean your tongue well with a tongue cleaner or simply use your brush to clean it.
Using a frayed brush
Do you remember the last time you changed your brush? A frayed brush is ineffective in cleaning your teeth and will do more harm than good. The frayed bristles not only damage your enamel but also cut into your gums and damage them. So replace your brush regularly every 3 months.
Using whitening/anti sensitivity toothpastes for long
Are you still using an anti-sensitivity or whitening toothpaste that your dentist prescribed 2 years ago? Then you are damaging your teeth. These kinds of toothpaste are meant to be only for a short period of time.
Sensitivity toothpaste only masks the symptoms and does not cure the underlying causes like decay, bone loss, or gum damage. So long-term use will not do you any good. Whitening toothpastes are meant to be used under supervision. Prolonged use of these strong, specialized ingredients will irritate your gums and weaken teeth in the long run. A good toothpaste only needs fluoride (1000ppm) which protects your teeth from cavities and keeps your mouth healthy.
So remember that dentistry is not expensive, ignorance is; so brush right and save not just your teeth, but your money time, and effort. Visit your dentist every 6 months to catch and treat dental problems early. And do not repeat these brushing mistakes.
If you have never visited a dentist for a dental filling, you might have heard that filling tooth cavities involves a lot of drilling. Some people feel that the amount of drilling work done is not proportional to the size of the tooth cavities. This article will explain why dentists have to drill wide and deep before filling tooth cavities.
How are tooth cavities formed?
To understand why drilling is needed, it is essential first to understand how tooth cavities come about. Tooth cavities result from tooth decay. Sugary food substances may build up on your teeth over time. When these substances combine with saliva and bacteria, they release acids. These acids gradually dissolve the enamel. If the enamel is eroded at a faster rate than it is replaced, cavities form. Tooth decay can also originate from the inner layers of the teeth. This happens when food substances build up at the root of the tooth. Gum disease can also cause tooth decay.
Why must there be drilling?
When you visit a dentist for a dental filling, the dentist will first numb the gums to reduce pain. After that, the dentist cannot just go ahead and fill the cavity. If they do so, the bacteria causing the decay will remain in the tooth and cause further decay. Furthermore, the parts of the tooth that are in the early stages of tooth decay will eventually dissolve and create another cavity.
Filling a tooth cavity seeks to achieve two goals. First, it should replace the damaged parts of the tooth. Second, the dental filling should prevent the decay-causing bacteria from damaging the remaining sections of the tooth. The dentist is therefore forced to drill to remove any traces of bacteria. They must also remove any portion that has started decaying.
Not all drilling involves removing bacteria and decayed tooth parts. Sometimes, dentists are forced to drill healthy portions of the tooth. For example, when the cavity is tiny, the dentist is forced to dig to create a sufficient working space. Furthermore, some cavities lie deep inside the tooth. This is common for tooth decays that start at the root of the tooth. Such decays erode the inner layers of the tooth. The dentist will, therefore, have to drill to access the cavity.
It is almost impossible to conduct a thorough dental filling procedure without drilling. The amount of drilling done depends on the extent of the bacterial attack and the location of the cavity.
How to take care of your teeth
The build-up of sugary food substances is the primary cause of tooth cavities. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste. If tooth decay is discovered in its early stages, it will be easier to treat. It is, hence, advisable to visit a dentist frequently for dental check-ups.
Beyond regular teeth cleaning, dental care may occasionally include getting a tooth or teeth pulled. While not exactly fun, it’s also nothing to be afraid of. Think of it as a means of ending chronic pain and risk of infection — while laying the foundation for a better-looking and healthier smile.
Top 5 Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why a tooth extraction may be required for dental health (which, let’s face it, also impacts general health), but here are the top few:
Severe tooth decay can render a tooth unviable and cause infection. Depending on where it is located, the safest solution may be to extract it.
Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) can compromise your health and further imperil your dentition. Again depending on the circumstances, the best solution may be extracting one or several teeth.
Broken teeth due to injury cannot always be repaired. If the integrity of the tooth and its root are destroyed, extraction may be necessary.
Impacted wisdom teeth, causing damage to adjacent teeth or pain.
In preparation for orthodontic treatment, when there is severe crowding and not enough room to align teeth properly.
How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?
Anesthetic via injection will numb the area surrounding the tooth and make the actual extraction procedure fairly painless.
Once numb, the tooth will be loosened and gently removed. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, sutures may be necessary.
Once the anesthetic wears off, a persistent dull ache may require pain medication, but how much will vary from patient to patient.
Dental implants or other tooth restoration options usually follow tooth extractions to preserve your smile and the functionality of your teeth.
What Is Recovery From Tooth Extraction Like?
Depending on the location of the tooth extracted or how many are removed, there may be some post-procedure downtime required. Patients often follow a liquid or soft food diet following dental work, but your oral surgeon will outline in detail what post-operative protocols to follow for both health and comfort.
Getting food stuck in between the teeth may be one of the biggest annoyances to deal with. It seems to always happen when a person is eating with somebody, enjoying a nice steak, or even just casually having a dinner that includes talking and eating.
It is very common for food to get wedged in between the molars in the back of the mouth, or maybe a piece of popcorn kernel wiggled its way in a small crevice. In these instances, having food trapped in between the teeth is completely normal.
There are plenty of reasons why a person may think that food gets stuck in between their teeth, but there are simple underlying reasons why this could be a common occurrence for someone.
Spacing
Teeth alignment could be one of the simplest reasons why food is always trapped in between teeth. Spacing in between the teeth, which is known as open contact, is when there is a gap or opening between two adjacent teeth.
Spacing in between certain teeth could be from how the teeth naturally grew into place or from a chipped or missing filling. Having braces to close gaps or a general dental visit can assist with the upkeep of fillings to avoid food continuously getting trapped.
Cavities
If a person is noticing food becoming trapped in the same area constantly, there is a probability that there may be a hidden cavity. Cavities are notorious for trapping food particulars in between the teeth, which ultimately grows bacteria and worsens the cavity.
Cavities are caused by tooth decay from the formation of a film of sugars and starches from not brushing the teeth well. The formation of this type of plaque eats away at the enamel of teeth, creating crevices and openings in or in between teeth.
Mouth disease
If a person does not suspect gapping or cavities to be the cause of food getting trapped in between teeth, a mouth disease may be the roof up the problem. Periodontal disease is the loss of bone, gums or teeth in the mouth, which is the cause of multiple dental problems.
Periodontal disease includes sore gums, gums receding in size, and poor tooth alignment - just to name a few of the main symptoms. All of these symptoms, in combination, can lead to particles becoming trapped which will accelerate spacing and tooth decay.
Getting regular dental check-ups can pinpoint the exact cause of food being trapped in between the teeth and the dentist can offer treatment plans or tips to avoid this problem from occurring in the future.
Worried about food constantly being trapped in teeth?
If you are concerned about why food is becoming trapped in between the teeth, schedule an appointment with us! Having a thorough examination of your teeth with help identify the reasons why food particles are constantly stuck in between the teeth. Also, it will help identify which care plan our staff should set in place for you to have a nice healthy smile and set of teeth again!
Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth. There are a number of causes for this condition, but it’s often a symptom of poor oral hygiene or a side effect of using certain medications.
If left untreated, this oral condition can affect the alignment of your teeth and increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gingival hyperplasia can be resolved by improving oral hygiene habits. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is necessary.
Gingival hyperplasia is also referred to as:
gingival overgrowth
gum enlargement
hypertrophy
hypertrophic gingivitis
Gingival hyperplasia symptoms
Gingival hyperplasia can be painful and can affect your oral health. One of the more common characteristics of this condition is having red, bleeding gums.
Other symptoms associated with gum overgrowth include:
tender gums
inflammation
pain
bad breath
plaque buildup on teeth
In more severe cases, the gums can completely cover the teeth, affecting hygiene and teeth alignment. If your teeth are covered, they will be difficult to clean. This could increase your risk of developing gum disease. If you develop gingival overgrowth at a younger age, it could affect tooth eruption or the process where your teeth grow in and become visible.
3 Causes of gingival hyperplasia
Gingival (gum) overgrowth is often caused by inflammation. It can also be drug-induced, as a side effect of prescribed medications. Common medications that can cause this overgrowth include:
antiseizure drugs
immunosuppressants
calcium channel blockers, or drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions
This condition often resolves once a person stops taking the prescribed medication.
Other causes can be categorized into groups: inflammatory gum enlargement, systemic causes, and hereditary gingival fibromatosis.
1. Inflammatory gum enlargement
Gingival hyperplasia can occur as a direct result of inflammation. The inflammation is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth from food, bacteria, and poor hygiene practices.
The inflammation can make the gums tender and red, and it can trigger bleeding. Proper hygiene techniques, such as daily flossing and effective brushing, can improve this condition.
2. Systemic causes
Other causes of gingival hyperplasia are more physiologic. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, and some diseases such as leukemia can trigger gum overgrowth. Other diseases or conditions that could cause gum overgrowth include:
HIV
diabetes
anemia
Crohn’s disease
lymphoma
vitamin deficiencies
The condition usually improves once the underlying cause has been treated. In the case of pregnancy, gum enlargement improves once the baby has been delivered.
Proper oral hygiene can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of developing this condition.
3. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare oral condition that causes slow, progressive gum enlargement. It often begins in childhood, but it may not be noticeable until adulthood.
The gingival overgrowth from this condition is caused by an overproduction of collagen. In some cases of this condition, the gums will cover major parts of the tooth surfaces or cover them completely.
Treating gingival overgrowth
Treating gingival hyperplasia often depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, improved oral hygiene can prevent or improve symptoms and resolve this condition. However, if gum overgrowth is a product of medication or disease, doctors may recommend surgery.
Gingival hyperplasia can be a recurrent condition despite improvements in oral hygiene, professional treatment, and drug substitutions. In such cases, overgrown gums may need to be surgically removed. Periodontists can perform this surgery with a scalpel or laser.
Some procedures used to remove overgrown gums include:
Laser excision. A periodontist will use lasers to remove inflamed gum tissue. Once the gums are removed, the periodontist will scrape any plaque buildup around the roots of your teeth.
Electrosurgery. In electrosurgery, your periodontist applies electric currents to your gum tissue to cut or remove what has overgrown.
Periodontal flap surgery. This procedure separates the gums from the teeth. The gums are folded back temporarily to allow the periodontist access to remove inflamed tissue and clean any plaque or tartar.
Gingivectomy. A gingivectomy removes a portion of your gums from around your teeth. A periodontist will trim and remove diseased gums, and then repair your remaining gums with stitches.
Outlook
Gingival hyperplasia is an oral condition that causes your gums to overgrow. In more severe cases, your gums can completely cover your teeth, making it difficult to maintain effective oral hygiene habits. Improved oral hygiene can often resolve this condition and improve symptoms. In other cases, treatment depends on the underlying cause.
If you’re experiencing irregular symptoms or if you’re worried about your oral health, make an appointment to see your local dentist.
If you smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products, they can affect your oral health. Not only can smoking have adverse effects on your oral health, but it can also cause damage to your teeth and gums. At our Philadelphia dentist office, we offer a full range of treatment for patients with cavities, including dental fillings. Dr. Pamela Doray will perform a full evaluation to determine the most appropriate solution for your needs.
Smokers and e-cigarette users have a higher chance of developing severe oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and infection. Being aware of the symptoms that you may experience is essential to improving your oral health.
Some common symptoms of cavities may include:
A toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Visible holes or pits in the teeth
Discolored teeth
Pain when chewing
Bad breath
Swelling in the gums
SMOKING AND DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which prevents the body from producing saliva. Reduced saliva flow can lead to dry mouth, increased risk of tooth decay, and bad breath. Tobacco and nicotine use can also increase your risk of gum tissue damage, receding gums, and gum disease. Patients who smoke have a more difficult time healing after gum disease treatment. Using cigarettes and e-cigarettes restricts blood flow to the gums and mouth, which increases your risk of infection, decay, inflammation, and other oral diseases.
WHEN TO VISIT THE DENTIST
Being aware of the risk associated with smoking and tobacco use is important. Undergoing routine dental visits and dental cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is also crucial that you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine to help reduce your risk of serious oral health issues.
One of the most serious and painful types of gum disease is called trench mouth. According to Healthline, the name dates back to World War I, the first war in which soldiers experienced prolonged periods of trench warfare. Because they were under significant stress and did not have time to take care of their teeth or seek treatment, they often developed painful and bleeding gums.
Who Is Affected By This Condition?
Trench mouth can affect anyone who does not practice proper mouth care, or who cannot or does not access regular dental cleaning, though it is quite rare in nations with modern healthcare. It is still sometimes observed in younger males, possibly due to the reluctance to seek treatment until it becomes very painful. Other factors include a poor diet and a lack of knowledge about oral hygiene.
What Additional Factors Put a Person at Risk for Trench Mouth?
The disease can be caused or exacerbated by factors such as a compromised immune system, a history of smoking, infections in the mouth or existing health conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. A history of gingivitis (gum disease), especially in combination with poor oral hygiene and missed dental appointments, can greatly increase the chances of developing this condition. Inadequate nutrition and diet choices can also be contributing factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Trench Mouth and How Is It Diagnosed?
Patients may experience a combination of several different symptoms, says The New York Times.
Bleeding gums and pain caused by touching or brushing the teeth
A metallic taste or smell coming from the mouth
An increase in swelling of the gums
Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue and fever
A simple oral exam by a dentist is enough for a diagnosis with the above symptoms, and the condition can be initially treated with a cleaning of the gums and teeth by a dental hygienist.
To decrease infection, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics, along with an antibacterial rinse. The rinse can also be used by the dental hygienist during the cleaning to help relieve the pain caused by the infected gums.
Once the patient is relieved of the symptoms of this painful condition, regular visits to a dentist and dental hygienist will help prevent it from occuring again, and ensure a lifetime of healthy gums.
Year after year, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases that people face. Indeed, tooth decay, also more commonly known as cavities or caries, plagues mouths across the world. Tooth decay happens when plaque, which is the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with sugars from the food we eat. This combination produces acids that can damage and weaken tooth enamel. While there is no cure for tooth decay beyond professional dental treatment, there are actions you can take to prevent cavities. Let’s get into more detail about tooth decay.
What is Tooth Decay?
Food and bacteria can cause tooth decay. Plaque is always forming inside your mouth. This sticky substance is getting on your gums and your teeth, and it contains the bacteria that feast on the sugars from the food we eat. When bacteria feed, they make acid. And that acid can attack your teeth well after you are done eating, and over a long enough period of time they can start to destroy tooth enamel. Left untreated, decay will work its way throughout your entire tooth and all of its layers.
You may not notice pain or sensitivity until decay goes through your tooth enamel and into the dentin layer, which can become irritated by hot or cold foods and drinks.
There are more factors and behaviors that can make you more likely to get tooth decay.
First and foremost, not brushing your teeth can be the biggest factor. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and be sure to floss regularly. Book appointments with your dental office for cleanings and checkups to stay on top of your teeth and stay ahead of cavities. Another important factor is the type of food you eat. If you eat foods that are high in sugar, you are giving the bacteria in your mouth more to feed on. You may have heard it before, but try to avoid candy, soda, juice, and cookies. Limit the number of snacks you consume between meals, as increased consumption of sugary foods can elevate the risk of decay.
Other factors can be dry mouth syndrome and not having enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva acts as natural protection for your teeth, washing away food and the harmful sugars from your teeth.
Incorporating fluoride-based toothpaste in your oral care routine can make your teeth more resilient to the acids. In addition to toothpaste, several oral rinses or mouthwash also include fluoride.
How does a cavity happen?
If you often consume sugary drinks or foods, a cavity can occur if a tooth is frequently exposed to acid. Over time, acids that continuously attack your teeth may lead to the demineralization of your tooth enamel. Reversible white spots on your teeth mean you have lost some minerals, and that’s a sign you might be heading towards tooth decay.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay from Getting Worse
While not curable, you can try to stop it early with a good oral care regimen. This includes buying an electric toothbrush to help remove plaque better and help prevent cavities from forming in the first place. It’s also important to be aware that enamel is able to repair itself by using saliva’s minerals, and this is greatly assisted by the fluoride sources like toothpaste.
How to Treat Cure Tooth Decay
While there is no true tooth decay cure, there are treatment options. While this depends on the severity of the cavity, a dentist might need to drill to remove the decayed portion of a tooth and use a filling to replace it. If a tooth is in very bad shape, a dentist might need to remove the extensively damaged tooth structure and replace it with a crown, which is fitted around whatever remains of the tooth. If it's so bad that the nerves of a tooth are dead, a root canal treatment might be necessary. That involves removing nerves and tissue along with the decayed tooth, and placing a crown on top.
