How does a tooth decay?

A substance known as plaque causes tooth decay. Plaque is a clear bacteria laden film, which develops on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque interact with the starches and sugars we eat and form an acid, which breaks down or de-mineralizes our teeth. As this process is going, on our saliva along with properties it has, acts to help re-mineralize teeth. When the demineralization process is faster than that of remineralization a cavity occurs.

There are several things that can be done to slow down or totally prevent this breakdown process which leads to cavities. One of the most important contributors to decay are sugars, and eliminating or drastically reducing your intake of them will help greatly in preventing tooth decay. Proper brushing and flossing, and removal of the plaque will also help in preventing breakdown. Home fluoride rinses help aid in the remineralization process. Of course routine visits to your dentist are of importance not only in the early detection of cavities but professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are very important in maintaining a healthy happy mouth.

How do we prevent tooth decay & What are Sealants?

There are several things that you can do to help prevent tooth decay. The most important of course is the diet. What you eat plays a very important role in the overall well being of your mouth and the rest of your body. Since sugars are directly related to the breakdown process, which causes decay, eliminating sugar from the diet will have a direct impact on cavities.

Plaque and sugar interact with one another to form an acid, which breaks down the enamel of the teeth, resulting in a cavity. Proper removal of plaque will also greatly reduce the risk of getting cavities. Thorough brushing and flossing will not only remove sugar from the mouth but also the plaque, which has formed on the surfaces of the teeth since the last brushing. Certain foods will help to keep the mouth in a healthy state. These foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and any low sugar foods that won’t aid in tooth decay.

Sealants are a very good way of protecting the biting surfaces of teeth that have never had a filling nor have no decay. Sealants are a clear or white material, which is applied on the biting surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of sealants is to smooth over the normal crevices of the teeth were germs could easily accumulate, thereby protecting the teeth from decay.

Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and may take X-rays. If your dentist discovers a cavity, he or she can repair it for you by first removing the rotted part of your tooth with a special drill. The dentist then fills the hole in your tooth with a special material. It's called a filling.

Does it hurt? Sometimes it does, but your dentist can give you an anesthestic. That's a kind of medicine that will numb the area around the problem tooth while you're getting your new filling.

Though cavities can be repaired, try to avoid them by taking care of your teeth. Here's how:
● Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after each time you eat or at least twice a day. Bedtime is an important time to brush.
● Brush up and down in a circular motion.
● Gently brush your gums as well to keep them healthy.
● Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food that's stuck between your teeth.
● Limit sweets and sugary drinks, like soda.

See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. We hope you'll hear those two wonderful words: "No cavities!"