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Facts about Tooth Decay

It goes without saying that the majority of people take great care with how they look. One only has to glance at the television or a magazine to see just how wonderfully grooomed we must strive to be. Our hair must be styled just so, and skin must be cleaned, polished and moisturised. However considering how much care people take with their bodies they often neglect their teeth. The range of products available now is staggering, yet tooth decay is still on the increase.

Good dental hygiene must be a lifelong committment. As a child, my parents took me to see the dentist regularly. I also received regular fluoride treatment, which was not a very pleasant experience. However, all this was to of been in vain as my teeth are not something which I am very proud of. This is all my own fault and nothing to do with my parents. I have an extremely sweet tooth and this along with lapses in my dental routine have proven to be my downfall.

Brushing our teeth for an insuficient amount of time will lead to small amounts of food stuffs remaining in our mouths, especially around the teeth. Sadly the bacteria in the mouth can feed off this and replicate at an alarming rate. Bacteria produce acid and it is this acid which causes most harm to our teeth. If the bacteria has a large amount of material to "feed" off then it is obvious that there will be more bacteria and, therefore, more acid and, subsequently, more damage to our teeth. Ultimately the acid will cause cavities and, eventually, the tooth may collapse.

The name of this harmful bacteria is "Streptococcus Mutans". The occurrence of decay does not happen overnight, it can take quite a long time as the outside layer of the tooth (enamel) is hard while the inside is soft. It can take years for the bacteria to attack and wear away the enamel, once this has happened the centre of the tooth is attacked and because of it's texture succumbs to decay a lot quicker.

Brushing is not the only form of defence in fighting tooth decay, flossing is very important too and should be part of a daily routine. Because the the spaces between teeth are very narrow, food becomes easily trapped, and hence bacteria forms. This area is where cavities are most common, and the correct manner of removing foods from here is flossing.

Cavities and tooth decay can be kept at bay in many ways. One of these ways is the regular use of mouthwash. Bacteria and acids are reduced by the use of mouthwash as it has an anti-bacterial action. It is not just used for its breath freshening properties.

Avoiding tooth decay can be quite simple, just try to avoid all the culprits. Try to remove as much sugar from ones diet as possible, not forgetting that a lot of foods have hidden sugars. Do not take fluoride tablets as it is present in most water supplies, and also in found in toothpaste. Too much fluoride can be as harmful as too little. Don't smoke as this has been found to increase the risks of tooth decay. Last but not least, not brushing and flossing teeth are the main contributors to cavities.

If we look after our teeth, visit our dentist regularly, and take heed of his advice, then the chances of decay are greatly reduced. A good oral hygiene routine is essential in eliminating cavities, extractions and pain.

By: Mary Evans

To find out more about tooth care and such things as teeth whitening visit www.teeth-whitening4u.com/

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