Prevent Cavities and Keep a Healthy Mouth
Have you heard the phrase "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?" This old saying is true when it comes to stopping the formation of tooth decay. Taking care to have good oral hygiene can help prevent dental decay, keeping your mouth healthy. This may not sound easy, but developing an effective home dental hygiene routine is fairly simple. Once you get started, you will find you can really make a huge difference in the health of your teeth and gums.
How Cavities Form
You may be interested in how cavities get started. There are a few steps required for cavities to form. The process begins with the dissolving of the tooth surface, a process called demineralization. When the demineralization gets deep enough, it eats all the way through the enamel causing a cavity. Below are the basic steps of how a cavity gets established:Consuming Food:Germs Produce Acid:Bacterial Film - Biofilm:
Bacterial plaque is caused when germs, food particles, and saliva all combine in your mouth. This plaque is a film slime that adheres to your teeth and builds up over time. The acid from the bacteria in the plaque dissolves the enamel of your tooth and eventually can cause holes in your teeth, known as dental cavities. While some people may find it repulsive, bacterial germs naturally thrive in your mouth. When these bacteria eat the sugars that remain on your teeth and in your mouth, they release acids called toxins. We all have to eat and drink to live and there is no way to avoid that. Unfortunately, eating plays a major role in the formation of tooth decay. When you eat and drink, sugars remain on your teeth until you brush. Even with brushing, you may not be able to remove all food particles from your teeth. It's nearly impossible to completely remove all the plaque from your mouth.
Avoiding Cavities
Starting and maintaining a regular oral hygiene method is a good way to prevent cavities. There are a some important steps involved in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The list below are a few tips to help you get started with a regular and efficacious oral hygiene routine.
1) Brush more frequently.
2) Reduce sugary foods and drinks. Soda drinks and candy provide carbohydrates which the bacteria in your mouth digest to create acids. You'll be healthier if you limit your consumption of these products.
3) Floss every day. Flossing removes plaque and food that gets lodged in between your teeth. Preventing plaque build-up will reduce the frequency of cavities.
4) Brush and rinse before you sleep. Products like fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses can help protect against plaque and gingivitis while you sleep. Rinse right before you go to bed and it will work all night. When used again in the morning, it will provide protection to help kill germs, prevent gingivitis, and freshen breath. Just because commercials say to brush twice a day doesn’t mean you can't do more. A terrific way to prevent the build up of plaque that causes tooth decay is to brush after every meal.
source: Crest Pro Health http://www.crestprohealth.com
