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More than 90 percent of adults over the age of 40 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth. What many adults don't realize is that the threat of cavities still looms well into adulthood and is not something that you can outgrow. Children are highly susceptible to developing cavities because of the natural shape of their growing teeth. The pits and fissures are narrow, making it hard for the bristles of a toothbrush to reach and clean the plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. With proper oral hygiene, you and your children can prevent the development of cavities and other forms of decay. Cavities: The Basics A cavity, otherwise known as tooth decay, is an oral disease that affects many people. Unlike other diseases, cavities are not life-threatening and are highly preventable, affecting most people to some degree during their lifetime. Your mouth is home to natural bacteria that form plaque, which interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods producing acids. These acids can damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving enamel, which weakens the teeth and leads to tooth decay. Foods that contain carbohydrates, such as pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cake and even some fruits, vegetables, and juices, may contribute to tooth decay. If you are on a diet that is high in carbohydrates and sugary foods, or live in a community without fluoridated water, are more likely to have cavities than others. With the area around a restored portion of a tooth being a good breeding ground for bacteria, people with a lot of fillings have a higher chance of developing tooth decay. Children and senior citizens are the two groups that are at the highest risk for developing cavities. In order to prevent cavities, it is recommended that you: • Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks
• Brush after every meal and floss daily
• See your dentist at least every six months for checkups and professional cleanings Prevent Cavities with Sealants Dental sealants can be used to protect your children from cavities early on in the development of their permanent teeth. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to act as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria. The sealants are most effective when applied to biting surfaces that are more susceptible to developing decay. The sealant is applied to the tooth surface by using an etching fluid that begins to penetrate the tooth enamel, ensuring that it is firmly attached to the tooth. Once the sealant is applied, it fills in the tooth's grooves, hardens and creates a thin plastic barrier that keeps cavity-causing bacteria out of the pits and fissures. Brush and Floss Regularly Brushing and flossing your teeth is an essential part to maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen and preventing cavities. Important parts of your daily routine, it is not enough to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day - you have to do it correctly. Proper brushing techniques include: • Use a circular motion to brush only two or three teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion.
• Don't forget other surfaces of your mouth that are covered in bacteria - gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your tongue.
• Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread.
• Effective brushing typically takes about three minutes. Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Similar to brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and should be performed at least once a day. Tooth decay, or cavities, affects millions of people, but it can easily be prevented. Talk to your dentist in Silver Spring today for further preventative measures and to schedule your semi-annual cleaning and check-up.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentist in Silver Spring, Drs. Matthew Moy and Alan Dechter. Specializing in a wide array of dental procedures, this Silver Spring dentist delivers quality care for patients of all ages.
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