Port Hope Dental - eNewsletter

How to Prevent Tooth Decay!

Tooth decay describes the break down of strong healthy teeth over time. Your tooth's surface is composed of a hard mineral coating called enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, but by no means indestructible. Your teeth are exposed to bacteria all day which produce plaque. Plaque is the substance that covers your teeth and eats away at the enamel causing the holes known as cavities.

Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing and regular professional cleanings with your hygenist will help keep plaque under control and prevent tooth decay. Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to tartar buildup which brushing and flossing alone can not remove. Letting plaque get out of control can lead to many oral problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum recession, periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Even teeth with fillings aren't immune to plaque. Plaque is acidic and may damage fillings and other dental work leading to future problems.

Under your enamel is a layer of the tooth made of dentin. Dentin is high in mineral content, but much softer and more vulnerable to decay. Once a cavity has reached this layer it starts effecting blood vessels and eventually the root. This is why dentists often fill small cavities long before they reach a level where they become problematic (ie. root canal).

Prevention is the key:

The bacteria in your mouth produce plaque throughout the day, especially after meals. The highest plaque production comes after eating foods high in sugars, carbs and starch. To protect yourself from the damage plaque can cause or limit your teeth's exposure to plaque there are some simple steps you can take:

Brush your teeth after every meal (a toothbrush at the office is a great idea, besides oral health it will help get rid of the garlic you had for lunch)
Floss or use an equivalent tool for cleaning between teeth, especially in the morning and before bed
If you chew gum, make sure it is sugarless, chewing gum after a meal will freshen your breath as well as encourage saliva production for flushing away plaque causing bacteria and sugar attached to your teeth
Enjoy a healthy diet low in sugars and balanced nutritionally
If you enjoy a sugary snack, have it with a meal
Limit your intake of sugary carbonated beverages
Visit your dentist regularly, and if you are prone to cavities, ask about dental sealants and other preventative treatments

By keeping your teeth, gums and mouth clean, you will enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Please click here to view a video 'How Teeth Decay.'