Important Things You Should Know About Tooth Decay

Dental cavity is a hole or put in the tooth. A cavity or such a hole in teeth is the result of a tooth decay process that happens over time. But you can stop and even reverse this process to avoid a cavity.

This article provides an overview about how the tooth decay process begins and how it can be stopped or even reversed to keep your teeth from getting decayed. Here are some important things you should consider as described in this article for healthy teeth.

What is Tooth Decay?
Cavities are also known as tooth decay. Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that destroy the tooth’s enamel layer and another layer called dentin.

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Tooth decay can be a serious problem for children and adults.

A layer of bacteria, called plaque, regularly deposits on your teeth. When we eat food or drink liquids containing sugars, the bacteria produce acids that damage your tooth surface called enamel.

These acids remain in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can get destroyed. This is when cavities start developing in the teeth. Read about tooth decay symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of dental caries are toothache, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold, and pits in the teeth.

How to stop or reverse tooth decay?
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these simple tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride
• Clean your teeth properly particularly between the spaces in your teeth daily with a floss or a dental cleaner
• Eat healthy foods and balanced meals and avoid eating snacks and sugars too much
• Contact your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which makes the teeth stronger
• Talk to your dentist about the use of dental sealants. These are helpful in protecting the surfaces of the back teeth where the decay generally starts from. Sealants are used to protect your teeth from tooth decay.
• Meet your dentist regularly for cleanings and oral examination/diagnosis
• Your dentist will be able to decide how frequently you should meet him/her based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums to prevent them from decay and damage
• Limit sugary and starchy food and drinks in your meals
• There are some medications that also contain sugar, so it's good to find alternatives that are sugar-free where possible. You should check with your doctor about them when they write prescriptions for you.
• Take care of your teeth and gums well and take prevent them from any harm
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol excessively. Tobacco can affect with saliva production. The saliva helps to keep your teeth clean and free from germs. Alcohol can cause erosion of tooth enamel and is bad for teeth health.
• Talk to your doctor about it if you have a frequent dry mouth problem as this may be caused by certain medicines or health conditions and is responsible for tooth decay.

How to protect your child's teeth?

• Ensure good eating habits by limiting sugary snacks and drinks in the meals
• Regularly visit to the dentist at an early age to prevent decays
• Teach your child how to clean their teeth properly and regularly
• Small kids should use a children's toothpaste 
• Young kids should brush their teeth twice a day, especially before going to bed
• If you have developed toothache, you should take appropriate measures to prevent it. Know what you should do for toothache here - What to do for a toothache?