Teeth decay: causes and how to prevent teeth from decaying

Teeth decay is proving to become a more serious problem to people who have not been taught how to prevent it.Do you ever wonder why some people look older than they really are? Some of us might know the answer already – bad habits such as smoking or drinking coffee every morning, but maybe you don’t. Well, now is the time to change things around. Let me tell you what causes tooth decay and how you can prevent it.

1) Tooth Decay Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene

The first cause of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. This means that your teeth are not properly cleaned and brushed. Therefore, the bacteria build up in your mouth which leads to cavities. If you do not brush and floss regularly, you are more likely to have a cavity. It doesn’t matter if you eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. If food gets stuck between your teeth, it will be difficult for you to clean them thoroughly because there are too many particles to get through. The best way to avoid this is to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget to use an interdental cleaner once a day (if necessary).

2) Too much Sugar

Another reason why you may have tooth decay is because of excessive sugar intake. Sugars are known to stick to the teeth and make them soft. So, if you want to keep your smile bright and healthy, stay away from sugary drinks. Instead, try using artificial sweeteners when eating foods.

3) Fluoride Deficiency

If you live in areas where you cannot find fluoridated water, then you should consider getting a fluoride supplement. You can also buy bottled water with added fluoride. However, fluoride supplements are usually recommended for children aged 6 months to 3 years old.

4) Food Debris between Your Teeth

When we eat, foods tend to stick on our teeth. These food particles get into spaces between the teeth making them soft and easy to damage. To prevent this, brush your teeth after meals. Make sure to remove all food debris before brushing so that you won’t end up damaging your teeth further. Remember that you need to use a good toothbrush. If you use a manual toothbrush, you must ensure that you brush vigorously enough. For electric brushes, you should switch off the power just before cleaning your teeth.

5) Not Flossing Enough

If you don’t floss often, chances are you will have problems with your gums. Gum disease can lead to periodontal issues like bleeding gum pockets, painful gums, loose teeth, and even loss of bone. In order to prevent these complications, you should floss on a regular basis. Also, make sure to cut down on your consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as soda and fruit juices. It is best to drink water instead.

6) Bad Habits

Smoking and chewing tobacco are very harmful to your health. They increase the risk of developing other diseases such as heart attack and cancer. Additionally, they can harm your baby’s lungs while he/she is still developing. Another habit that increases your risk of having tooth decay is snacking. Snacks are full of carbohydrates and sugars. When you eat these types of foods, the saliva flow rate decreases causing food particles to adhere to your teeth. Try to reduce or eliminate snacks.

7) Neglect

When it comes to maintaining proper dental care, neglect is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. If you skip brushing and cleaning your teeth, you will eventually develop cavities. A visit to your dentist every six months is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure to schedule appointments for routine checkups and cleanings.

8) Poor Diet

Not only does a bad diet affect how well our bodies function but it also affects our overall health. Eating unhealthy foods can cause problems with digestion and metabolism. One problem related to unhealthy diets is obesity. Obesity contributes to several health concerns including diabetes and heart disease. Another issue associated with unhealthful diets is dental caries. Tooth decay is caused by bacterial growth in plaque on your teeth. Unhealthy diets tend to contain more sugar than healthy ones. This excess sugar encourages bacteria to grow quickly and form plaque. The result is an increased chance of tooth decay.

Conclusion

If you suffer from stress, your body produces too much cortisol which leads to high blood pressure and inflammation. High blood pressure makes it difficult for your blood vessels to supply oxygen to your mouth.