Is it possible to avoid tooth decay: the secret of healthy teeth
Dental caries is the most common reason for going to the dentist. Caries is the slow destruction of dentin and enamel (hard dental tissue). This process begins asymptomatically and can develop for several years, destroying the tooth more and more and spreading to nearby tooth tissues and gums. Is it possible to completely avoid the occurrence of these “nasty” holes in the teeth, and even preferably without going to the dentist? In order to answer this question, it is important to know the causes of caries and methods of its prevention.
Why caries occurs: general and local factors
The mechanism of caries development is influenced by the process of primary destruction of hard tooth tissue (demineralization). The destruction of enamel and dentin occurs under the influence of the microflora of the oral cavity. But the appearance of holes and cavities in the teeth is also influenced by a number of local and general factors. Local factors in the development of dental caries are:
Dental plaques – a transparent and soft substance on the teeth, consisting of bacteria and their waste products. They are easily visible to the naked eye if the person does not brush his teeth well enough.
Sticky carbohydrate residues in the oral cavity, which remain after eating and drinking
Altered composition of saliva, its insufficient production, disturbances and microtraumas in the structure of dental tissue
Abnormalities in the dentition itself – abnormal bite, crooked teeth, absence of a tooth.
Common factors for the development of caries include:
Unbalanced diet, deficiency in the diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, amino acids, etc., and the predominance of fried fatty foods, fast carbohydrates, etc.
Chronic, hereditary and somatic diseases
Heredity
Extreme conditions for the body – surgery, chemical poisoning, starvation, etc.
High-quality hygiene of the mouth and teeth – the best prevention of caries
Dentists note that in the presence of a large number of factors affecting the health of teeth, the main microflora in the oral cavity and the correct care of teeth. In addition to the “classical” brushing of teeth in the morning and in the evening, it is important to observe a number of preventive measures. In particular, brush your teeth after every meal, even snacking. This can be done using a special chewing gum, rinsing the mouth or, if possible, by brushing your teeth. Dentists also advise you to definitely use floss – flossing, including after each meal. Because the smallest particles of food remain between the teeth, especially if you have an overbite or crooked, densely planted teeth, dentures, braces, etc.
Ask your dentist to teach you how to properly use floss, toothbrush, pick up a balm conditioner, taking into account the structure of the enamel of your teeth and features of health. Graft oral hygiene to children, talk about the harmful effects of fast carbohydrates, sugar, flour on tooth enamel and try to eat less of such food.
Can I do without a visit to the dentist if the teeth do not hurt?
The answer of the experts is possible, but not necessary. Because then you have to go to the dental office with already started caries, and even with acute pulpitis (inflammation of the internal tissues of the tooth – the pulp). Then you have to spend much more time and money to cure a bad tooth than with regular check-ups at the dentist 1-2 times a year. It is also important to remove tartar, which is still formed on the teeth, even if you brush your teeth well and do not smoke. Coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, some food products leave plaque on their teeth, which turns into stone. And only a specialist can remove such deposits without damaging the tooth enamel.
