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Important Tooth Decay Facts

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Written by Mary Evans

Sunday, 18 May 2008

by MaryEvans

In today's society we are judged on how we look. If we do not look good then we must be failures. People are always looking for the next best products for their skin, hair and bodies. This obsession on how we look is blamed on TV advertising, celebrities and magazines. It goes without saying that the majority of people do look after their hair, skin, bodies and nails. One area that should be a priority that is often overlooked is dental hygiene. Regular dental hygiene is more important than just having white teeth.

Our experiences as children at the hands of the dentist often reflect how we care for our teeth in the future. I can remember the awful taste of the fluoride treatments my parents made me have. I always had regular check-ups, yet still my teeth have succumbed to decay. This is not because I looked after teeth as a child, but the fact that this care lapsed in later life. An addiction to anything sweet did not help either.

Bacteria in the mouth is formed if we do not brush our teeth after eating. Even brushing after every meal does remove all traces of food, and this is when bacteria occurrs. The action of the bacteria in the mouth in turn produces a lot of other products, the most damaging of which is acid. If this is not controlled then the end result is not a good one - cavities.

Tooth decay can occur rather quickly if you do not take care of your teeth. The bacteria, streptococcus mutans is the culprit. Whereas the centre of a tooth is soft, the enamel, the outer layer, is very tough. If the enamel becomes damaged it will not be too long before the centre is attacked. Once this happens tooth loss is imminent.

The tiny space between teeth is where the first signs of decay are usually found. This can be easily treated by using the most effective method around - flossing. It is vital that we still brush our teeth but must follow this with flossing. This has been proved to be the best way clean inbetween teeth thoroughly.

Some people think mouthwash is just for freshening and making our breath smell sweeter. However, mouthwash is another invaluable tool in the fight against tooth decay. It has an anti-bacterial action which helps keep harmful bacteria at bay, hence reducing the chances of acids harming the teeth.

The best way to prevent tooth decay would to eliminate all things responsible for the damage. This is not always easy or practical, but by following a simple routine the chances of decay are greatly reduced. The first thing to do would be to ensure one brushes and flosses at least twice daily. Not doing so is the main reason for tooth decay. Next sugar consumption should be reduced, but be vigilant as a lot of foods have a higher sugar content than one might realise. Today there is no need to take fluoride supplements as this is already introduced into our drinking water supply. Last but not least, avoid smoking. Not only does tobacco stain the teeth it can also increase the chances of tooth decay.

Having a poor dental hygiene routine is what eventually leads to decay and bad breath. If we all learnt how to look after our teeth properly, and followed the advice of our dentists, then we would not need to visit him so often for unpleasant treatments.

About the Author:

To find out more about tooth care and such things as teeth whitening visit http://www.teeth-whitening4u.com/

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