Having a healthy oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping the teeth and gum in good condition. Tooth decay is such that you will not notice any symptoms until it is in its advanced stage. By then, the teeth are prone to infections, and you will most likely experience pain, sensitivity and, in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss.
Undiagnosed tooth decay is common because one out of four people only visit the dentist when they notice a problem. But one should not wait till then, that is why you should see a dentist st Leonards.
3 Facts About Tooth Decay
- The buildup of plaque on the teeth over time weakens the tooth surface, which in turn causes holes in the tooth or gum diseases.
- Tooth decay is not only caused by bad oral health hygiene, as too much consumption of sugary and starchy substances can also put your teeth at risk of tooth decay. The sugary substance allows the presence of plaque acids that gently dissolve the tooth enamel.
- Three out of four British adults have had their teeth removed, and an estimate of 140 children removes a rotten tooth in the hospital per day (PHE statistics)
5 Tips to Help Prevent Tooth Decay
- Having good oral hygiene: One of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay is regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing the teeth prevents plaque buildup in the mouth, inhibiting acid from breaking down the enamel.
- Have a regular check with your dentist as often as recommended: A routine visit to the dentist will give you a chance to check your teeth with equipment that will spot any abnormality. It will also ensure that you get the treatment quickly and easily. The cosmetic dentist boynton beach is highly recommended, thus you should check them out.
And if you observe any change or discomfort in your mouth area, visit your dentist right away.
- Make healthier food choices: Reduce the intake of sugary or starchy foods, and replace them with healthier choices if possible. Brush your teeth after eating sticky foods, and if food gets stuck in between your teeth, floss it out.
Also, avoid or limit habits like the use of tobacco and alcohol.
- Be conscious of what you ingest: Always check the content of what you take in. When taking in digestibles, be wary of ingredients that end in ‘ose,’ such as sucrose, fructose, maltose, glucose, etc. These products are sugary products that can harm the teeth.
And when making use of products, go for the ones containing fluoride to help strengthen the teeth.
- Avoid medications that dry out the mouth: You get a dry mouth when there is reduced saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk. Some medications dry out the saliva in the mouth; ask your doctor for alternative medicine. If it is unavoidable, take more water and chew sugarless gum.
Tooth decay can cause bad breath and even tooth loss. This is why it is better to avoid it by visiting the dentist regularly and taking the precautionary steps stated above.