Factors that Contribute to Tooth Decay and How to Prevent it?

In today’s world, there are severe chances that you can have tooth decay. Thanks to the lifestyle we follow, our teeth would face its consequences.

But the best part is that we can still protect our teeth by understanding the causes of the decay. We have compiled a few reasons and remedies for those in the following article. Before going forward, let us know why our teeth are decaying.

Read on.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

The main reason is plaque. The combination of saliva, bacteria, and other deposits is known as plaque, a sticky film. If the plaque is not removed, it starts eroding the enamel of the teeth. They cause permanent damage to the teeth. This causes severe pain if it penetrates the roots.

Risk Factors for Dental Decay

The risk of dental caries or cavities is raised due to fouling factors.

1. A Diet Of Sweets

Sugary snacks are the main culprit of tooth decay. These snacks, along with the drinks, produce the bacteria lurking in the mouth. The food products which stick to the teeth give rise to more plaque.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

If proper brushing, timely floss, and rinsing your mouth after every meal are not done, then the teeth start to decay. Using mouthwash on a regular basis prevents foul smell and several teeth problems as well. But if not done rightly, it triggers tooth issues.

3. Tooth Placement

Teeth that are harder to clean are more susceptible to decay. The teeth that are out of the brush’s reach or are misaligned are generally at a high risk of decay. Replacing them and not cleaning them again causes the same issues. 

4. Inadequate Fluoride

Excess fluoride causes the decaying of the teeth. However, this mineral is widely recognized for its ability to fight off dental decay and support oral health. But as we say, anything in excess is an issue; the same is the case with this.

5. Certain Health Conditions

People with less saliva attract more plaque as the mouth keeps becoming dry, causing bacteria. But, eating disorders and cleanliness issues cause more decaying matters than the former. 

6. Worn Dental Fixes

Dental fillings, crowns and other dental fixes restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth. These structures start weakening with time. When they weaken, they erode, creating space between 2 teeth. It is in this space that the plaque gets deposited, causing tooth decay. 

Preventing Tooth Decay Causes

Let us understand what can be done to prevent these teeth decaying issues.

1. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly:

Apart from brushing using fluoride toothpaste, you may as well include a fluoride mouthwash in your everyday clean-up routine. 

2. Rinsing your mouth:

Rinsing your mouth should be a daily habit when it comes to maintaining your oral hygiene. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after every meal to get rid of food debris in order to prevent the risk of developing cavities.

3. Be mindful of your diet:

Tooth friendly tips such as limiting sticky or sugary foods and drinks, cookies, soda can help prevent cavities.

4. No food or drinks:

No food or drinks except water should be consumed after bedtime tooth brushing to reduce the acid attack (developed by sugar and starch) in the mouth.

 5. Keep up with dental checkups:

A routine oral checkup twice a year is much needed to help prevent problems or spot them early. A professional tooth cleaning and oral exam renders you the current status of your dental condition and gives you the time to land on the best possible solution.

6. Professional fluoride treatment:

Usually, a routine clean-up includes a fluoride rinse procedure. However, it would be best to ask your dentist about the fluoride treatment since it helps protect your teeth by preventing mineral loss, replacing mineral loss in tooth enamel and reducing the bacteria’s ability to form acid.

7. Consider introducing dental sealants:

Consider introducing dental sealants to the chewing surface of your or your kid’s back teeth. The back teeth or molars have grooves and tend to collect food debris, where even the toothbrush bristles can’t reach to clean them away. At the same time, a dental sealant is a protective plastic coating that is applied to cover the surfaces in order to protect the molars from food debris and emerging bacteria.

8. Be proactive about your oral hygiene:

Proactive dental care services such as x-rays, professional cleanings, comprehensive oral exams must be implemented to prevent future gum disease, tooth decay, among other dental health issues. 

The dentists are always there to help you with advice or tips to protect your teeth. At Rouse Hill Smiles Dental Care, we love to see you smile. We will go to any extent to keep that smile intact. So make an appointment with us today for any kind of advice or issues.