Causes and Prevention of Tooth Decay

Do you notice chalky spots on your child’s teeth? Does chewing cause sudden pain? These signs suggest tooth decay. Tooth decay leads to pain and tooth loss. It can cause serious issues like pulp infections or root inflammation. These problems may affect overall health.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Causes of tooth decay could be complicated, a 6 months check at Sunrise Dental Chatswood could prevent most tooth problems.

Plaque: A Hidden Threat

Bacteria, like Streptococcus, live in your mouth. They mix with food bits. This forms sticky plaque. Plaque stays if not cleaned. Bacteria use food sugar to make acid. The acid damages tooth enamel. Plaque appears as a clear film. It forms 1-2 hours after brushing. If ignored, it hardens into tartar in a day.

Diet: Fueling the Problem

Sugary drinks and candies feed bacteria. Sticky foods, like cakes, are worse. Eating sugar drops mouth pH below 5.5 in 5 minutes. This low pH lasts 30-60 minutes. It harms teeth. A 10% rise in sugary drink consumption increases decay risk by 12%. Tooth decay costs $540 billion yearly worldwide.

Weak Teeth: Natural Risks

Some teeth have deep grooves. Crowded teeth trap food. Low saliva weakens mouth cleaning. Poorly formed teeth are vulnerable. People with dry mouth face higher risks. For example, Sjögren’s syndrome patients have five times more decay due to weak saliva glands.

Time: A Gradual Process

Decay starts with weak enamel. It takes 18-24 months to form a cavity. Bacteria then attack dentin and pulp. This can lead to tooth loss.

Prevention of Tooth Decay

You can stop tooth decay. Use daily care, professional help, and smart eating habits.

Daily Cleaning: Protect Teeth

Brush twice a day. Use the Bass method. Angle the brush 45 degrees to gums. Move it side to side. Clean each tooth for 30 seconds. Choose fluoride toothpaste (1000-1500ppm). It strengthens enamel. Floss daily to clean between teeth. Use a brush for nearby surfaces. Flossing cuts decay risk by 40%.

Professional Help: Stay Proactive

Dentists apply fissure sealants to molars. Resin seals deep grooves. It stops bacteria. Sealants reduce kids’ decay risk by 80%. The effect lasts 5-10 years. Fluoride treatments help too. Dentists apply them every 3-6 months. They rebuild enamel. This cuts decay by 25%. Kids and dry-mouth patients benefit most.

Eating Habits: Make Smart Choices

Limit sugar to 25 grams daily. That’s about 6 sugar cubes. Avoid frequent sweets. Wait 2 hours between meals. Eat calcium-rich foods like milk or tofu. Include phosphorus from fish. Get vitamin D from deep-sea fish. These strengthen teeth. Chew xylitol gum. It boosts saliva and neutralizes acid.

Visit Sunrise Dental Chatswood

Sunrise Dental Chatswood offers expert care. Our team provides fissure sealants and fluoride treatments. They help kids and adults prevent decay. Book a check-up every 6 months. Sunrise Dental ensures your smile stays healthy. Visit us for professional cleanings and personalized advice.