Livermore Dentist - Tooth Decay - How to Avoid It - Smiles by Design Livermore

Preventing Tooth Decay

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the formation of dental cavities and  involves three major factors:
* Food or beverages consumed (your diet)
* Bacteria in plaque
* Your current state of oral health

Unfortunately bacteria interacts with the food you eat and waste products are produced in the form of acids. These acids will cause a breakdown and deteriation of areas below the surface of the tooth which results in tooth decay.

Think of it this way: Each time you eat, your teeth are being attacked. Your body does provide a counterattack by rinsing the food or acid away with the mouth's saliva.  The saliva acts as a buffer and helps to neutralize the acid. This series of attacking and rebuilding is like a constant battle raging in your mouth. It’s your body’s defence in protecting your teeth from everyday problems.

There are three factors to look at in help preventing tooth decay.

Food And Beverages
Foods and beverages that are eaten between meals don't help in preventing the decay process. Sticky foods, such as caramels and raisins, should be avoided as between-meal snacks, because the acid attack becomes too much for the saliva to prevent and repair. Eating these same foods during a meal, however, allows for the tug-of-war to be a winning situation for a person and their teeth.

If children are allowed to fall asleep with a baby bottle, or if they’re given the bottle to carry around with them, and the liquid, whether it be milk, fruit juices or other drinks, can be used by the bacteria to produce acids, and tooth decay can rapidly occur. To help prevent tooth decay, limit your intake of sugary, sticky foods and sweetened beverages between meals.
Bacteria In Plaque
The plaque on your teeth should be removed by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Usually, a clean tooth can stay healthy. Certain bacteria are more likely to cause decay because they can use the sugars and starches you eat better than others.

Your Current State Of Oral Health
The third primary part of the tooth decay situation is your teeth and mouth. This includes everything from the way the teeth are shaped, formed and positioned, to your saliva, dental treatment and oral health habits. Your saliva is very important in many ways, including slowing the loss of mineral from the teeth and replacing it in the remineralization process. But sometimes, certain conditions or medication change the amount and type of saliva in your mouth, allowing the tooth decay process to progress all the way to cavities.