Cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, are bacterial infections that eat away at the outer and inner parts of teeth. These infections are most common in young children, teenagers and adults.
Bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode (demineralize) the hard, shiny outer coating of your teeth called enamel. This process eventually destroys enamel and causes holes to form.
Brushing
Brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities Tallahassee FL. Consistent brushing for at least two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush can remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria that promote tooth decay. Other important preventive practices include flossing, antimicrobial mouthwash use, and regular professional cleanings and dental checkups.
Tooth decay results from a combination of factors, including poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar consumption, dry mouth conditions, and acidic foods that damage the surface of teeth. Tooth decay starts when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that erode the hard outer layer of teeth known as enamel.
This erosion leads to the formation of small holes in the teeth, known as cavities. Many patients find themselves surprised when they discover they have cavities despite practicing good oral health. There are several possible reasons for this phenomenon, including genetics, daily soda intake, and brushing frequency. There are also a variety of brushing strategies that can reduce the risk of cavities, including using a higher-powered electric toothbrush or focusing on problem areas like spaces between teeth.
Flossing
Flossing removes bacteria and trapped food particles from areas of your mouth your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps prevent gum disease, which may lead to tooth loss and bad breath.
The bacteria that cover your teeth in a sticky substance called plaque can secrete acids that eat away at your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Regular brushing removes most of the plaque, but there are places where it is hard to reach, including in between and along your gum line.
If you’re not flossing regularly, consider starting — it only takes a few minutes each day and can make a huge difference in your oral health. There are many types of dental floss to choose from, including flavored, waxed and wide floss for cleaning around restorations. A good time to floss is before bed, as saliva production drops after eating. Most people find that flossing becomes second nature after a few months.
Antibacterial Mouth Rinse
Many mouth rinses claim to fight plaque and gingivitis, but only those with the ADA seal of acceptance have been objectively evaluated for safety and efficacy. Look for the ADA seal on your rinse bottle before purchasing, and be sure to follow directions.
It’s important to spit your rinse out, instead of swallowing it. This helps prevent rinse from irritate the tongue or throat, and allows the fluoride to saturate teeth. Avoid rinsing, eating or smoking 30 minutes after using mouth rinse to help preserve its effectiveness.
Antimicrobial mouthwash kills bacteria to control bad breath, gingivitis and plaque. These rinses are available by prescription and can be used in conjunction with, or in place of daily brushing and flossing. Some examples are chlorhexidine (CHX) and phenolic mouthwashes like Listerine, which contains a mix of phenolic compounds (eucalyptol, essential oils, thymol, methyl salicylate and carrageenan). These ingredients combine to create a bactericidal effect that lasts 12 hours after use.
Smoking
Smoking can cause a variety of health problems. In addition to being a major risk factor for lung cancer, smoking can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss. It can also make it harder to taste food, and it can dry out the mouth, making it more likely to develop cavities Tallahassee FL.
Smoke containing nicotine and other chemicals enters your lungs through the air sacs (alveoli). Once inside the alveoli, carbon monoxide bumps oxygen out of red blood cells. This makes it hard for you to breathe, and your body tries to compensate by producing extra mucus.
Early on, smoking was associated with a type of sensuous and seductive sexuality, most notably in film stars like Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn, who are often shown with their cigarettes lit and wearing cigarette holders. It was also associated with a certain intellectualism; authors such as Kurt Vonnegut and Jean-Paul Sartre smoked pipes. In the 19th century, the cigarette became a symbol of rationalism and modernity.
