There are a few things our parents warned us about as children—the boogeyman (maybe even the Rougarou here in Louisiana), and, at times, tooth decay. But, unlike the other two, tooth decay is a proven reality and is a very real problem for people of every age. But even though we’re warned about, what are the actual dangers of tooth decay? How can we protect ourselves and keep our ivories shining? Find out everything you need from a professional Slidell dentist.
How Can I Get Tooth Decay?
So, you have heard of tooth decay, but what exactly does that entail? Well, simply put, tooth decay is the destruction of the hard, outer layer of your teeth—also known as enamel. The process begins with plaque. While this sticky, white-ish yellow film seems harmless, it’s actually bacteria. And depending on the food you eat, that bacteria can produce acids that attack your enamel. Once this enamel is broken down, cavities form.
Another name for tooth decay, cavities are often depicted as little devils poking your teeth. While not as lively, it does have some truth to it! After all, cavities hurt pretty bad. And while they are more common in children, it’s possible to get them as adults.
As soon as you feel any discomfort, it’s time to see a dentist. Allowing this decay to continue untreated only leads to more issues down the line. For example, the gums can recede from the tooth, exposing the root to the same bacterial problem. Or, the cavity can spread to the pulp inside the tooth and ultimately lead to major illness or tooth loss.
The biggest way to suffer from tooth decay is from foods and beverages that are one of these three things: sticky, sugary, and sour. Of course, we’re not telling you to avoid these foods entirely. But knowing when to limit your intake is essential.
Correct Dental Hygiene Tips
Now that you know where tooth decay comes from, and what it is, what can you do to fight it?
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a tooth’s best friend. Because fluoride makes the enamel stronger, tooth decay has a harder time setting in. If you’re not getting enough, your dentist may suggest additional sources of fluoride.
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. These can stain your teeth and increase the amount of bacteria.
- We know people tend to forget about flossing. But getting in between the teeth is imperative to dental health. Once flossing daily becomes a habit, you’ll be on the road to impeccable pearly whites.
- Switch out those processed, sweet foods for something more natural. Although sweet, strawberries are perfect for your teeth. In fact, because they’re full of malic acid, eating them makes your teeth whiter.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a deep cleaning. We’ll make sure there are no underlying issues and get you feeling squeaky-clean.
As adults, we only have one set of teeth. It’s best to keep them as clean as possible—so we can keep them as long as possible. But if you believe your teeth are already in trouble, get help from a great Slidell dentist by visiting Exceptional Dental!
Visit A Slidell Dentist And Care For Your Teeth Right
Ready to get your teeth looking good and feeling even better? Make an appointment with a Slidell dentist from Exceptional Dental to receive treatment. Have a question for us beforehand? Not a problem. Get in touch with our Slidell office by calling (985) 643-2616 or send us a message online.
Leave a Reply