Nobody wants tooth decay but the truth is that one in three Australian adults is dealing with tooth decay. Unfortunately, if left untreated tooth decay will damage your tooth, potentially cause it to fall out, and it can cause an abscess. This can give you blood poisoning and even be deadly if untreated.
You need to be aware of what tooth decay is and whether you can reverse it.
To help with this it’s important to visit a holistic dentist regularly. They will treat any dental issues while taking into consideration your overall health. This will ensure you get the best, and most personalized, care possible.
Understanding Tooth Decay
Your teeth are coated in a special hard substance known as enamel. This compound is very tough and can withstand a variety of daily processes and impacts, such as grinding. But, it is under constant attack, especially after you have eaten. Sugars in your food react with bacteria in your mouth. The by-product is an acid which can attack the enamel.
Over time, the enamel will weaken. The easiest way to prevent this is to brush twice a day, floss once, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water after eating. It dilutes the acid.
When a gap appears in the enamel the bacteria and acid will continue to attack, slowly eroding the tooth from the inside. This is when you will get a cavity or, your weakened tooth may crack.
The warning sign that this is happening is a white spot on your tooth. When this appears it means the enamel has been worn away and the next step will be tooth decay. At this stage, it is possible to reverse it. But, once the tooth is damaged inside you can only fill a cavity, not reverse the damage.
Techniques To Repair Your Enamel
There are several things you can do to repair the enamel on your tooth and prevent it from becoming tooth decay.
Use fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. It is present in toothpaste and a variety of other foods. You need to look out for it and it to your diet. This will help to ensure the enamel repairs itself and major tooth decay is averted.
Reduce snacking
Tooth decay is primarily caused by sugars in food. Therefore, avoiding snacking between meals will reduce when your teeth are exposed to acid. By reducing this exposure your body will be better able to repair the enamel and strengthen your teeth.
Brush after all food
It’s important while focusing on strengthening your teeth to avoid leaving sugars and plaque on your teeth. The easiest way to do this is to brush and even floss after you’ve eaten. It’s best to wait twenty minutes to prevent you from rubbing the acids into your teeth.
Avoid sugars
Just as snacking increases sugar con Sumption and the risk of enamel decay, so does food full of processed sugars. It’s time to look at your diet more closely and eliminate processed foods. Cutting down on these sugars isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s beneficial for your waistline.
