Avoiding Tooth Decay and Cavities

Avoiding Tooth Decay and Cavities

Do you get sleepless nights because of this pain that does not go away brought about by a cavity?  Dozing on and off because of the unbearable pounding you can feel with your fingers thumping right in your gums?  Tired of facing and battling with recurrent toothache attacks? However, you should not be experiencing such if you had just been good to your teeth; if you just took extra care of your precious white little enamels; if you just brushed your teeth even only twice a day. Sadly, many only realize these things the moment they are haunted by painful recurrent attacks of a toothache. Does it always have to be like that– wait for the excruciating pain to take over all your body before realizing that you have terribly disregarded your teeth? True as it is, yeah, regrets are always in the end, as the saying always goes.

Moreover, what causes these painful restless episodes? In terms of dental care, the causes of such pain are tooth decay and cavities. The first one, tooth decay is also known as dental caries originating from plaque — the sticky, bacteria-laden film that collects on your teeth between brushings. These dental carries cause by millions of bacteria are housed and protected from threatening things by filmy substances that act like protective foam bubble such have collectively made. Furthermore, if the teeth-destroying bacteria are kept protected from destruction, the bacteria in plaque produce acid that gradually destroys the surface of the teeth which creates a hole in the enamel — the hard outside layer of your tooth — your tooth decay has just turned into a cavity and that’s sad.

Furthermore, tooth decay progresses to cavity formation if there is enough build-up of cavity-causing bacteria accumulated on the teeth. These, then, produce acid that dissolves the enamel surface of the teeth. Although the teeth can replenish the enamel, these bacteria can dissolve the enamel faster than the body can rebuild it. Eventually, it is the start of the first stage of decay that appears as a white or brown area on a tooth. If left unchecked, the acid eventually penetrates the enamel and a cavity forms.

Nevertheless, if decay is caught early enough — while it’s still an area of demineralization, or a “white spot” — the tooth may be able to repair itself. Your dentist may be able to stop the decay by:

• Applying fluoride to the teeth in the form of a gel or varnish that can boost re-mineralization;
• Applying a gel or varnish containing a powerful antiseptic that can reduce the level of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth, slowing demineralization;
• Applying liquid plastic sealant to create a physical barrier against bacteria that can help even after there is evidence of decay;

Yet, restoration is a lot more expensive than the easy preventions that can be done. As always, prevention is better than cure. Hence, can tooth decay be avoided? If so, how can one avoid tooth decay? Below are the things one can do to avoid tooth decay.

• Use fluoride. This mineral can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse or stop, early tooth decay.
• Keep an eye on your diet. It is important in preventing a cavity as every time you eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in your mouth use the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth’s enamel.
• Limit between-meal snacks. This reduces the number of acid attacks on teeth and gives teeth a chance to repair themselves.
• Brush your teeth. Doing this especially with fluoride toothpaste, your teeth will be freed from the damages caused by tooth decaying acids.
• Talk to a dentist about sealants. This is another good way to help avoid a cavity. Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, or molars. Sealants cover surfaces and acts as a form of barrier that protects teeth and prevents food and bacteria from getting trapped.
• Visit a dentist regularly for cleanings and an examination. During the visit, the dentist or hygienist will remove dental plaque, check for any areas of early tooth decay, and apply a fluoride gel or varnish, if necessary.

So, these are the tooth decay prevention tips you might want to follow for wonderful nights.

Contact us today to set up an appointment today.