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Tooth Decay Facts |
By:
Mark Johnston |
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Tooth Decay Facts
Mark Johnston
How we look can sometimes determine how we feel. Furthermore it is often how people formulate their opinions of us. This is why so many people worry about such things as acne and hair loss. Unfortunately many people who have a deep concern for their outward appearance often neglect to care for their teeth and quickly discover that tooth decay is extremely painful and, in extreme cases, very unsightly.
Where you, like me, one of those children who had to have a fluoride tooth treatment? I hated it and I was very distressed by the whole ordeal. My parents were very strict and I was continually told how and when to clean my teeth. However, now I am much older, I find that I have terrible tooth decay. Sadly I did not continue my good dental hygiene and badly neglected my teeth so, I suppose, I only have myself to blame.
If we do not clean out teeth often enough bacteria can breed in our mouths. These bacteria produce up to five hundred different substances, many of which are harmful. The acids produced burn and destroy the softer material of the tooth and can, eventually damage the tooth to such a degree that cavities and holes appear in the teeth.
The bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay is called Streptococcus mutans. Depending on how you care for your teeth it can take anywhere between six months and six years before a hole appears in the tooth. While the center of the tooth is rather soft and is easily damaged the outer layer, enamel, is far tougher and therefore takes far longer to become seriously damaged sufficiently to collapse.
Cavities often appear between the teeth in those difficult to reach places. However your dental care regime should not rely on the toothbrush as flossing is the most effective way to clean between the teeth and thus avoid this type of decay.
It is also very important that you get into the habit of using mouthwash as part of your tooth care regime. Mouthwash is specially formulated to make your breath smell great. It does this using two methods. Obviously one way is by providing a fresh minty taste/smell but it also works by massively reducing the levels of bacteria in the mouth. As the bacteria levels are lowered the occurrence of tooth decay is also much lower.
There are a number of ways in which you can stop tooth decay. The best way to do it is to follow good dental hygiene and avoid those things that are known to cause damage in the teeth. Here are the four most common causes; 1. Failure to brush and floss the teeth often enough. 2. Including too much sugar in the diet. Check the amount of sugar in all processed foods. 3. Lack of fluoride. This is relatively rare as many authorities now add fluoride to drinking water and nearly all dental products include fluoride. 4. Tobacco. Smoking, or chewing, tobacco is known to cause cavities.
After reading this article we hope that you now have a greater understanding of the need to develop a good dental care regime at your earliest opportunity. By following the hints and tips above you should be able to avoid the pain and discomfort associated with cavities.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article73926.html |
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