One of the goals of early dental care is to ensure that cavities never occur and is achieved in many who start young and stay consistent with good oral health practices. However, most people will experience some level of tooth decay at some point in their life.
At Weninger Dentistry, our dental health professionals want to make our patients aware of the causes of cavities and actions they can take in the universal war against tooth decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Sugar in sweets and all carbohydrate foods provide the fuel for bacteria in your mouth to produce acids which in turn attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth). These acids weaken tooth enamel when the mineral crystals inside a person’s teeth begin to dissolve.
Every time you eat carbohydrate food or drink sugary liquids, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid. Therefore, the more times you eat the more times your teeth are exposed to an acid attack.
Dental decay, also known as dental caries, usually corrects itself through the natural process of salivation along with good personal oral hygiene and the application of fluoride. At times, tooth decay breaks through the enamel resulting in a cavity.
A Lifelong Diligence
From that first baby tooth to old age, tooth decay is a reality.
In Young Children
When a child’s teeth emerge, their enamel is weak and very susceptible to acid decay. ‘Baby bottle tooth’, which is common in children, can destroy enamel rapidly. Unless checked, early childhood tooth decay can cause large cavities in just months.
In Older Adults
Older adults remain at risk for tooth decay that is left untreated. Older adults are also more likely to experience gum recession due to years of hard brushing or periodontal disease. Dry mouth (xerostomia), is also common among older adults often due to the use of common medicines. Decay sometimes forms beneath fillings and crowns.
Defense Against Cavities
Dentists recommend a two-pronged approach to fighting tooth decay: be aware of what you eat and have regular fluoride treatments.
Since sugar in its many forms creates acid that attacks your enamel, there is much you can do to prevent cavities. Be aware of the sources of sugar in your diet, cut down where you can, and brush and floss every time you eat a meal.
Fluoride replaces vital minerals that repair acid damage and strengthens tooth structure. Everyone should brush with an approved fluoride toothpaste every day. Dental offices can also recommend toothpastes, gels, and mouthrinses appropriate for both children and adults.
Your dentist may recommend a sealant that is placed over the tops of chewing teeth — molars and premolars. It is highly recommended that children get sealants after their teeth erupt into the mouth.