A Dentist West Bloomfield MI Shares Some Facts On Tooth Decay

By Leslie Ball


Tooth decay is a major impediment towards most people enjoyment of good oral health. Many organizations have tried to help arrest the problem, but a large number is still ignorant or cannot access oral health care. Many of the affected only visit a dental clinic when the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved. A dentist West Bloomfield MI has come forth to enlighten the public on some basic facts about tooth decay.

When you take food, the leftover in the mouth form acid with the help of bacteria and attack the tooth surface, which leads to mineral loss and expressed as teeth decay. A dental physician may be of great help in developing a plan to prevent decay. You should eat meals on their right time and take less of junk, sugary food as it heightens the risk of developing tooth decay. You should also brush the teeth to reduce the risk.

The acid that attacks the teeth is a waste product that results from the bacteria interaction with starch found in the mouth. The body mechanism in response to this is by raising the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is alkaline and effectively neutralizes the acid. It also contains phosphates and calcium that rebuilds the lost minerals by a process called remineralization. The process continues throughout the day every time one eats something. However, the decay may develop if the saliva loses this war on acid attacks.

If sweetened foods and snacks are taken for prolonged time between meals, one is more likely to develop teeth decay. Such sugary food includes cola, raisings, candy, and caramels. Young babies may experience similar attacks if the juice laden baby bottle is left with them for extended periods. These sweetened snacks and beverages should in moderation and wherever possible, teeth cleaned thereafter.

The bacteria that forms plague over the teeth also contribute to the development of decay on the tooth service. Streptococci bacteria are the most common in the plague. The plague can be eliminated from the mouth through regular brushing, at least twice daily, and flossing of spaces between the teeth. The dentist can test a sample of the saliva to ascertain the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

The state of your general health also has a bearing in teeth decay situation in the mouth. The shaping of your teeth, saliva formation and amount, dental treatments and oral habits play a huge role in keeping your teeth healthy. However, certain medical conditions may lower the amount of saliva in your mouth, change the PH levels of the saliva, and make you susceptible to acid attacks.

Sealants may be of help to cover the deep crevices found in molar and premolar teeth. These are the prime locations for contracting teeth decay. Sealants are plastic materials painted on teeth surface and then dry to form a plastic cover. It is effective against formation of acids on the surface and inhabitation of plague.

Fluorine is also a potent weapon against tooth decay. Fluorine added to drinking water, mouthwash and toothpaste plays a big role in fending off the acid attacks. However, these supplements should be used in moderation as too much fluorine in water causes the browning of teeth.




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