Tooth Decay Prevention

How do cavities form?

The tooth has two layers: enamel and dentin. Tooth decay can destruct both of them. Food that contains carbohydrates, many sugars and starches may start the decay process. Especially if you eat a lot of candies, cakes, fruits, bread, cereals and drink a lot of sodas and milk. The destruction process begins when they are left on the teeth, so the bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods and turn them into acids, so when saliva, bacteria, acids and food debris combine together they form plaque, which attaches to the teeth. Enamel surface gets dissolved in the acids of the plaque, so it creates holes in the teeth that are called cavities.

Tooth Decay Prevention

• Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• You must brush your teeth before going to bed.
• Preferably brush your teeth after each meal.
• Daily use dental floss or interdental brushes.
• Choose mouthwash that contains fluoride or has antiseptic ingredients to kill bacteria.
• Rinse mouth with mouthwash daily.
• Limit snacks.
• Avoid carbohydrates such as candy and chips and other sticky foods that can easily remain on the tooth surface.
• If you can’t resist sticky foods, try to brush your teeth soon after eating them.
• Try to eat nutritious, balanced meals.
• Ask your dentist if you need to take supplemental fluoride, which could strengthen your teeth.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which could protect your occlusal surfaces from decay.
• Try to drink fluoridated water. It is a good way to protect children from tooth decay.
• Do a professional oral hygiene regularly.
• Visit your dentist regularly for an oral examination, so you could stop caries progress as soon as possible.

Newest studies showed that chewing gum, which contains sweetener xylitol can temporarily slow down the growth of bacteria which causes tooth decay. Moreover, some materials slowly release fluoride over time, which can prevent further tooth decay. Those materials may be placed in small fissures of the teeth. Now more studies are in the process about toothpaste and mouth rinses, which could heal early cavities and stop the tooth decay.

To make an oral examination and/or professional oral hygiene appointments contact us at Manyak Dental group: (650) 342-9941.