Dentist Huntersville How to Combat Cavities

Tooth decay occurs in any location of the tooth that causes it to form a hole due to too much lose of its mineral content. "Cavity" formation is what this condition is commonly called. The cause of tooth decay is too much oral bacterial infestation in the mouth which can also be the cause of tartar development.

Tooth decay is also caused by a constant loss of calcium. A black hole is formed in the affected area once the calcium is leached and the tooth's enamel, dentin and cementin are dissolved away. The calcium content of the tooth can be lessened in a process which is medically called "demineralization".

Your whole body can be affected mentally by the severe pain caused by tooth decay. To prevent it from decaying it is only natural that we take good care of our teeth. To help prevent cavities a mineral that has been proven to help is fluoride. Brushing and flossing after each meal, getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups by a dentist, and making sure your drinking water contains fluoride is the best way to prevent tooth decay.

You may be pondering how tooth decay can be prevented by fluoride. When fluoride comes into contact with the surface of your teeth it helps to prevent the bacteria found in plaque from dissolving your tooth enamel. Do not be surprised if your dentist asks if you have been drinking your recommended eight glasses of water a day at your next dental check-up. Fluoride naturally occurs in water and it plays an important role in healthy tooth development in children and cavity prevention for all.

You should talk to your family's dentist about your options if you discover that your water does not contain the recommended amount of fluoride to aid in the prevention of tooth decay. Your dentist may be able to administer regular fluoride treatments in his or her office. A fluoride rinse to be used at home daily may also be recommended by your dentist. There are even fluoridated bottled waters available to be used in conjunction with your dentist's treatment.

By diluting the acid, washing down food debris and mineralizing enamel, saliva protects our teeth. The erosion of enamel sooner or later leads to cavities or caries even though this mineralization is slow. Initially most cavities are "silent". A large part of the damage is already done by the time pain sets in. The decay will spread to the dentin and pulp and destroy the rest of the tooth, including root nerves if left further untreated.

Of great importance is a balanced diet. Since a tooth is mostly calcium, food rich in it like low fat dairy, and also fruits and vegetables loaded with Vitamin A and C boost dental health. Too much of sugary and starchy foods are bad for teeth as sugars and carbohydrates are easily consumed by bacteria. Foods that are not easily cleared by swallowing or rinsing like sticky foods like caramel are also not good. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, grapes etc can also dissolve enamel. Thoroughly rinse your teeth after you have eaten them.

Experts are best left to deal with some things. A dentist can detect even small cavities only beginning to form and if needed he can take a dental X-ray to spot problems.