Prevention

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.

Diet

People who regularly consume high amounts of dietary sugars put their teeth at risk for dental caries (decay). The amounts of sugar are not as important as the frequency of the sugar intake. After eating, sugar in the mouth is converted to acid which causes decay. Acids normally are neutralized within 20 minutes of eating. By reintroducing sugar (by having another candy, a sip of soft drink, a stick of sugared gum etc.) on a frequent basis in between meal times, the acid levels remain high throughout the day, which can radically increase the decay rate in the mouth with devastating results. Keep this in mind as you evaluate your dietary choices.