What Is Tooth Decay, and How Can I Prevent It?

Tooth decay is a common condition, affecting people from all walks of life. Also called cavities or dental caries, tooth decay is highly preventable. Although it is not life threatening, it is of great concern because it impacts almost all human beings at some point in their lives. Normal bacteria in the mouth form plaque, a sticky film that covers the surface areas of teeth. When the bacteria encounter sugars and starches introduced by food, they create acids that rob the teeth of minerals and weaken their structure. As tooth enamel erodes, cavities begin to form. Contributors to tooth decay include candy, desserts, milk, soda, and even some healthy fruits and juices.

Tips for Cavity Prevention. Saliva can actually act as a buffer against acids and remineralize teeth. Therefore, anything that increases saliva production can fight cavities. Dentists often recommend sugarless gum as a way to stimulate saliva flow. Although this natural defense is effective, it is not enough to prevent cavities. The most important cavity prevention weapons are good oral hygiene and fluoride. Brushing and flossing daily are imperative. Fluoride is an agent that can rebuild damage caused by plaque bacteria by remineralizing the tooth structure. It is present in toothpaste, tap water, and some bottled and canned beverages.

Your Dentist in Miami Can Help. Affordable dentists are valuable allies in the cavity prevention war. They can help those children tooth decay affects by applying dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings placed onto chewing surfaces to keep plaque from reaching the tooth enamel. Highly concentrated fluoride products such as gels, mouth rinses, and oral supplements can also help, especially when patients do not get fluoride from the water they drink. Parents should ask their family dentistry expert for more information about professional cavity prevention treatments.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Miami, call Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry today at (305) 306-9250 or make an appointment.