How To Prevent The Tooth Decay

tooth decay

written by: Dr. Ana Bundalevska Aleksandrovska, DDS
ADA (American Dental Association) states that the tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.
“Brush and floss your teeth twice daily,” “Visit your dentist regularly” “Stop eating sweets” etc. You all know these phrases very well: But there must be something more we can do to avoid early loss of our teeth…
The very simple truth behind the most frequent diseases in the oral cavity is the bacterial infection. The chronic bacterial infection in the gums causes resorption of the supportive bone structure around your teeth and ends up with increased tooth mobility and tooth loss…
The bacteria in the dental plaque causes acidic decomposing of the tooth enamel which is temporarily reversible, but if the hygiene neglect continues – it becomes irreversible tooth decay.

What can YOU do to prevent the Tooth Decay

Results may vary from person to person. What works for some people, does not work for others.

1. Follow your dentists’ advice for home hygiene.

Brushing is simply not enough. You would say “our ancestor were not so meticulous about brushing and still had their teeth remaining.” The truth is: They used to eat much more raw food, they were not obsessed with starchy snacks, and sugar was a luxury! And on the top of everything – we do not know if they had all teeth remaining and healthy. The criteria for good oral health has increased and what we (as patients) require today – was not even a question in the past.
So after you nicely brush your teeth, grab the floss and nicely snap in and out wiping of the surfaces of the teeth around the gum line. Gum bleeding most often means that there is inflammation – so don’t stop flossing, but keep doing it. The third step in your daily routine should be rinsing with mouthwash. Ask your dentist to suggest you or prescribe you a tooth paste and mouth wash suitable for your oral health.
A real test for the efficiency of your brushing is Methilene blau tablets or mouthwash. They contain an indicator for remained plaque. Whatever turns red/purple – it’s a plaque that needs more brushing. Ask your dentist where you can find these ones!

2. Avoid snacks – especially the ones with lots of sugar, sticky and starchy

Salty crackers could be a trap, they are hidden carbs and are very retentive around your teeth. Good choice for a snack is a fresh carrot or another vegetable, fruit, nuts or cheese.

3. Avoid night meals

You end up the day with evening routine and you shouldn’t eat anything after that.

4. SODA’s – all juices, except the freshly squeezed ones, are not a good choice.

They are bad for your overall health, contain way too much sugar and some of them even have phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid directly “dissolves” the superficial enamel strong barrier and then the sugars attack.