The Anatomy Of Tooth Decay

The Anatomy Of Tooth Decay

It is one of the most commonly encountered dental issues.  Cavities.  Though getting at least one cavity happens to most of us at least once, some unfortunate others face recurring instances of oftentimes, painful tooth decay.  These individuals get cavities despite best efforts towards maintaining a well thought out, thorough oral hygiene regimen.  Since the best way to prevent a cavity is to understand how it comes about, let’s take a look at the ‘anatomy’ of tooth decay and break it down into its component parts.

Diet

Whereas it may go without saying that maintaining a healthy diet is a very important factor in staving off tooth decay, it absolutely bears repeating.  In addition to avoiding sugary foods, it is also important to avoid sticky eats, syrupy sweets, and even hard candies that can encourage cracks and breaks in tooth enamel.

Hygiene

For maximum protection against tooth decay, you will want to make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA recommended fluoridated toothpaste.  To keep the bacteria breeding areas between your teeth clean, be sure to floss after brushing, and limit snacking after teeth have been cleaned.

Gum health

Whereas many focus on keeping tooth surfaces clean, it is important not to forget to examine and care for your gums.  Most know that plaque can form on the surface of a tooth, but it can also adhere to your gums.  If your gums are receding or if they bleed when brushing, they could be providing you with important warning signs that you should not ignore.  At the first sight of either symptom, see your dentist so that you can address any potential tooth decay problems before they even begin.

Overall health

Just because you take care of your mouth, teeth, and gums, doesn’t mean that you are exempt from experiencing unexpected tooth decay.  Several ailments and diseases that can cause symptoms like dry mouth or that can facilitate the presence of excess acids in the mouth can be just as damaging as eating an excessive amount of sweets and keeping a poor oral hygiene regimen.  If you have other medical problems brewing, be sure to discuss them and their symptoms with your dentist so that you can make dedicated plans to ensure they do not compromise the health of your teeth.

Tooth shape

Lastly, but not least, even if you do everything right you may still find yourself on the receiving end of a cavity or two.  Many times this can be due to the shape of you teeth.  Most particularly, individuals who have deep grooves in their molars are susceptible to food and bacteria particles becoming stuck in the teeth, quickly making these spots areas for dental concern.  To minimize potential tooth decay due to tooth shape, consult with your dentist for the best solutions for your specific tooth shape.

Keeping these elements in mind will take you a long way towards your best regimen to avoid tooth decay.  A bit of vigilance and a bit of preventative care can make all the difference to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.