What Causes Tooth Decay and How To Avoid It

Most of us will suffer from tooth decay at some stage throughout our lives. Even people who generally take good care of their teeth can suffer decay. While tooth decay may not be completely avoidable, there definitely are certain factors that contribute to the development of decay, and avoiding these will certainly go a long way towards ensuring we have healthy teeth for many years to come.

Not Brushing and Flossing

Not brushing your teeth at least twice daily is probably the fastest way to develop tooth decay. The build-up of plaque needs to be removed through thorough brushing with a quality toothbrush and toothpaste. But brushing isn’t the be-all and end all of cleaning your teeth. You really need to floss regularly too, in order to get at those small bits of food and plaque that can get caught between the teeth. Often it’s between the teeth where decay starts to develop.

Eating Too Many Sugars and Carbohydrates

What sugars and carbohydrates actually do is feed the bacteria that is already present in your mouth. If you eat too many foods high in starch and sugar content (carbohydrates also turn into sugars), you increase this level of bacteria and it’s this bacteria that attack the enamel of your teeth, breaking it down and leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.

Lack of Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens the enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to acids present in the foods you eat and the drinks you consume. Some town water supplies have fluoride present, but if not, it might be time to start rinsing with non-alcoholic fluoride rinses.

Drink More Water

Plain, pure water is one of the most effective ways to keep the mouth and teeth clean. Flushing your mouth out with water after you eat is a good habit to get into. Water will at least help wash away most food stuck to your teeth between brushing. It will also help your mouth produce more saliva, which is a natural defence mechanism against tooth decay.

Some Things To Avoid Or Moderate

  • Tobacco products
  • Alcohol
  • Excess sugars and refined foods
  • Chewing sugary gum
  • Excessive eating and snacking
  • Eating foods containing chemicals and artificial additives

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

One of the best ways to avoid tooth decay is to pay regular visits to your dentist. You don’t need to wait until you’ve developed a problem. Prevention is always easier and better than a cure. Book in for regular check-ups to ensure everything is going well. Your dentist will spot the first telltale signs of decay developing and can fix it before it gets out of hand.

On the Gold Coast visit a dentist who really cares. Advanced Dental Care Clinic in Oxenford. We can assist you with the following services:

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