The main culprit in tooth decay disease is acid formed by sugars in our foods. When food is frequently left on your teeth, bacteria that live in the mouth will thrive, which in turn produces acid. Given enough time, the acid produced by bacteria can seriously damage your enamel, causing tooth decay. Left unchecked, cavities can lead to infection and tooth loss, not to mention painful toothaches.
Preventing Tooth Decay Disease
Are Cavities a Disease?
Though we don't tend to think of cavities or tooth decay as a disease, it is, in fact, an infectious disease, albeit a highly preventable one. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay are most often transmitted from mother to child in the first years of life. A research study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research notes that the mother is considered to be the important source of transmission of infection in children due to intimate contact with their children in the first two years of life when Mutans Streptococci are initially transferred Child-nurturing habits which facilitate saliva transfer from adults to the children, such as sharing of food and utensils, and habits which involve close contact, such as breast-feeding, kissing and sleeping beside the mother, were also found significantly associated with colonisation of MS. .
However, even the presence of cavity-causing bacteria does not doom you to cavity-ridden teeth. A combination of good oral care and a good diet can keep your enamel strong.
Preventing Tooth Decay Disease
There are a number of simple things you can do to reduce your risk of cavities and reverse early tooth decay.
- Brush twice and floss once daily using proper flossing and brushing techniques.
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel.
- Avoid eating sweet or starchy snacks between meals. The harmful bacteria in your mouth feed off these foods and thrive when they are present.
- Chew sugarless gum flavoured with Xylitol to clean your teeth when you can't brush. It reduces the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Avoid beverages that can damage your enamel, such as soft drinks, sports drinks and acidic fruit juices.
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Taking care of your teeth on a daily basis can prevent cavities from forming and leave you with a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
