Preventing Tooth Decay

By Peter Merai, DDS, FAGD

What Is Tooth Decay, and What Causes It?

Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugar) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, or even fruits, vegetable and juices.

Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids.

These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth.

How Are Cavities Prevented?

The best way to prevent caries is to brush and floss regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque and bacteria, we use fluoride, a natural substance which helps to remineralize the tooth structure.

If you are at medium to high risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements.

Who Is At Risk For Cavities?

Because we all carry bacteria in our mouths, everyone is at risk for cavities. Those with diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods are likely candidates for cavities. And because the area around a restored portion of a tooth is a good breeding ground for bacteria, those with a lot of fillings have a higher chance of developing tooth decay. Children and senior citizens are the two groups at highest risk for cavities.

What Can I Do To Help Protect My Teeth?

1. Cut down on sweets and between meal snacks.

2. Brush after every meal and floss daily.

3. See your dentist at least every six months for check-ups. If you get a painful toothache, if your teeth are very sensitive to hot or cold foods, or if you notice signs of decay like white spots, tooth discolorations or cavities, make an appointment right away. The longer you wait to treat infected teeth, the more intensive and lengthy the treatment will be. Left neglected, cavities can lead to root canal infections, permanent deterioration and even loss of teeth.

Information provided by the Academy of General Dentistry