Health Article

Understanding and Preventing Tooth Decay

Your teeth appear to be hard and strong – but they are vulnerable. Tooth decay can damage teeth and even impact surrounding tissues and bones. Researchers have recently begun to explore a possible link between tooth decay and other conditions, such as heart disease.

Your mouth contains a host of bacteria that often cause no problems, but certain types (such as streptococci mutans and lactobacillus) can attack tooth structures and cause permanent damage. These bacteria love sugar. When they consume sugars, they produce acids that wear away tooth enamel and leave teeth susceptible to decay.

Saliva automatically helps to "wash" the teeth and add minerals to help repair tooth structures, but can’t do it alone. You need to help maintain your teeth and prevent decay through good food choices and oral care.

When you eat or drink between meals and go without brushing for extended periods of time, you are helping to create an environment for decay. As our mothers have always told us, some foods – including sweets – cause more harm than others. It’s best to avoid sticky, sugary foods and beverages (even fruit juices) if you aren’t going to brush your teeth anytime soon.

In addition to watching what you eat, it’s also important to take good care of your teeth and gums. An oral care regimen should include:

• Brushing at least twice a day (and in-between meals, if you can) with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Drinking water that contains fluoride
• Using dental floss daily to remove plaque and reduce the formation of tartar
• Seeing the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and fluoride treatment

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