Blog
Oct 2 • 4 minute read
Everyone knows that dental hygiene is crucially important for a number of reasons, yet most of us fail to take adequate care of our teeth and end up developing cavities at some point in our life. Usually, if we floss our teeth regularly, brush a couple of times each day, and get regular cleanings at the dentist’s office, we can manage to keep our gums and teeth relatively healthy.
However, that is not always enough. Dietary factors such as the amount of sugar we consume can affect our risk for tooth decay. Raw fruits and even some vegetables, ironically, can also contribute to tooth decay because of the natural sugars contained in them.
A cavity is a form of infection caused by bacteria living in the mouth which eats into the enamel. All of us have naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. Bacteria can accumulate on the surface teeth, especially after we eat a meal. If not brushed or flossed off of your teeth, bacteria begins to create a sticky film known as plaque. This plaque can eventually harden and become difficult to remove so, it essential to remove it early by brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings.
Dental plaque slowly dissolves the surface enamel of your teeth, which results in tiny pits that develop into small cavities. These cavities will then turn into larger and deeper cavities, which can damage the structure of your tooth, even down to the root. The damage can eventually lead to very painful toothaches.
If you have a sweet tooth, you are more likely to be at risk of developing cavities. Foods that cling to your teeth, such as cake, cookies, candy, dried fruits, and even dairy products are more likely to cause tooth decay than other foods which contain less sugar or are less sticky. If you snack throughout the day or drink a lot of soda or fruit juice, you are more likely to develop cavities than those who snack less and consume fewer sweets.
These suggestions can potentially save you a lot of money in dental repairs and prevent a few toothaches as well!
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