We don't mean to alarm you, but…
If you have teeth, you are at risk of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, and a whole host of other issues – some more serious than others.
So what is tooth decay, and how can we prevent it?
Tooth decay is caused by sugar and carbohydrates ‘resting’ on the teeth.
Bacteria turns these carbs into acid, which then mixes with food debris and saliva to form plaque.
Plaque clings relentlessly to your teeth and, rich in acidity, begins to slowly melt away the top layers of our teeth.
When our enamel suffers too much, we call it a cavity.
So, here’s how we get a grip on plaque before it becomes a problem…
- Brush at least twice a day, after every meal if you can, with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean the spaces in between your teeth with floss
- Rinse your teeth daily with a fluoride mouthwash
- Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, and avoid sugary, processed snacks
- Consider using supplemental fluoride to strengthen your teeth
- Consider dental sealants, which protect the biting surface of your back teeth from decay
- Drink fluoridated water
- Visit your dentist at least twice per year for a routine cleaning
A novel method for plaque prevention is to chew gum containing xylitol, which stunts the growth of decay-causing bacteria.
Stay true to the above cavity commandments and plaque won’t stand a chance.
But, if you are behind in the defense against decay, as often happens, feel free to drop by our office or reply directly to this email to get in touch with us :)
