Tooth decay is a common dental ailment, and yet it is easily prevented. So why does it happen?
The Culprits
As it seems is the case with most problems in life, the most enjoyable things are the ones that cause the biggest problems. Tooth decay begins when you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, also known as starches and sugars. That’s right, this includes anything sweet such as cake, candy, and ice cream, as well as your carb-loaded favorites like bread, chips pretzels, and pasta. Bacteria then digest this residue, resulting in a byproduct of acids. These acids then congeal into an appetizing witches brew with bacteria, food particles, and saliva to form everyone’s favorite: plaque. Plaque sticks to your teeth and eats away at the enamel, and pretty soon you’ve got a mouth of teeth filled with more holes than the Albert Hall.
The Solution
Not to fear. Check out these easy tips that will keep your mouth clean and your teeth impeccable.
Brush and Floss
I’m sure by now you’ve heard this so many times that it goes in one ear and out the other. Where it should go, however, is in your mouth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes during each session. At twice a day; that’s four minutes. Add in two minutes for flossing and we’re at six minutes. Six minutes of your day for a healthy, clean mouth? You won’t find a better deal than that. Make sure to replace your brush every two months for maximum tooth cleaning efficiency.
Chew Gum (Sugar Free)
Chewing sugar free gum after a meal will keep saliva flowing in your mouth, which helps to neutralize plaque acids that are doing their best to eat away at your pearly whites. Xylitol, found in many sugar free gums, goes the extra mile by killing plaque bacteria.
Regular Check Ups
Stop in at your friendly neighborhood Catonsville dentist. Come by and they’ll fix you up just right.
If you are concerned about tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist at your earliest convenience. At Leikin and Baylin Dental Care in Catonsville, Maryland, our team of caring health professionals provides unparalleled dental excellence. We treat our patients as members of the family. And since most procedures are performed in our office, our patients rarely need to leave our careful eye.
If you have any questions about Don’t Delay, Prevent Tooth Decay Today or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-decay-prevention