As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
If you are experiencing a toothache, then you need to visit your dentist. The probable diagnosis will be that you have a cavity. The following article explains how cavities develop and the factors that may put you at risk for getting more cavities.
What Are Cavities?
These are holes that have formed in your teeth. Cavities are a result of tooth decay, which causes damage to your tooth. Tooth decay affects the outer layer of your tooth, enamel, and the inner surface, dentin.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop?
Formation of Plaque: Your mouth has various kinds of bacteria. Some are found on sugary foods and drinks. When these sugars remain on your teeth, the bacteria start to feed on them and produce acids. The bacteria form a substance called plaque, a sticky substance that clings to your teeth. You can feel plaque forming when you move your tongue over your teeth—it is rough and mostly felt on the back teeth.
Plaque Attacks: Plaque contains acids that remove minerals in the enamel of your tooth. When these minerals are drained, the enamel gets worn out and bacteria are able to reach the next surface of your tooth—the dentin. This layer is softer and less resistant to plaque's acids.
Total Destruction: As tooth decay advances, the acid and bacteria reach for the inner section of your tooth, called the pulp. This is the section of your tooth that has blood vessels and nerves. The pulp swells and is irritated by the bacteria. When decay is at this level, you experience tooth sensitivity and pain when biting.
Factors That Increase The Risk Of Cavities
Tooth location: Decay is common at the back of your mouth, particularly molars and premolars. This is because these teeth have enough room for collecting food particles. They are also more difficult to clean than the front teeth. Plaque mostly builds up in your back teeth and eventually releases the acid that causes cavities.
Foods and Drinks: Foods that can easily be swept away by saliva are less likely to cause decay than those foods that remain in your teeth for long periods of time, such as honey, sugar, ice cream, soda, cake, candy, chips and dry cereal.
Insufficient fluoride: Fluoride prevents cavities and reverses the early stages of damage to your teeth. These benefits make it a main ingredient in water supplies, mouth rinses and tooth pastes.
Dry mouth: Saliva prevents decay by sweeping away food debris and plaque present in your teeth. The substances in saliva also assist to counter the acids that are emitted by bacteria.
Eating disorders: Bulimia is where you eat to your satisfaction then trigger yourself to vomit. It is a common condition for individuals who don't want to gain weight. This behavior can result in cavities. This is because stomach acid washes over the teeth when you vomit. This acid starts to dissolve the enamel. Anorexia is another eating disorder where you restrict yourself from eating. This reduces saliva production and a dry mouth is a good breeding place for plaque.
For more information, contact a dentist like Aulsebrook Thomas & Associates.
Share5 February 2015
