Things to Know About Tooth Decay and Cavities
Sugar is not good for our teeth. This is what we are often told; and the matter of fact is that it is true. But sugar alone is not responsible for tooth decay and cavities. Certain carbohydrates and other nutrients that contain starches are also responsible for a number of dental infections.
The reason is that certain types of bacteria consume carbohydrates and turn them into acids. This acid causes softening of the teeth, also called decay. And consistent softening leads to the development of holes, also called cavities.
It is quite important to understand that you don’t need to quite the consumption of carbohydrates. However, you will have to monitor this consumption.Consuming carbohydrates more often can increase the chances of development of cavities. One simple rule that you need to understand here is that you need to consume the required amount of carbohydrates in such a way that it doesn’t fall under the category of frequent consumption throughout the day. For instance, you can eat 1 pound of carbohydrates in 10 minutes or you can nibble a candy for 30 minutes. Nibbling the candy can be more harmful because the teeth are going to be more exposed to the carbohydrates.
The role of saliva
Let’s talk about the acidity of the mouth. Acidity is measured by pH level. Acidity continues to be stronger when we move from 7 towards 0 on the pH scale. Mark 7 on the scale is neutral. Pure water is of pH 7.
When we eat our foods, the acidity of the mouth increases. In this scenario, the saliva is produced in a higher amount in order to bring acidity level to the normal. And it takes 30 minutes for the saliva to completely neutralize acidity in the mouth.
It would be worth mentioning here that lack of saliva can be pretty dangerous. This is the reason that dentists always warn against dry mouth.The best way to deal with this situation is to drink a lot of water. Water consumption doesn’t only keep the mouth moist but it also helps in proper neutralize the oral acidity.
Plaque and cavities
Formation of plaque is the biggest risk factor which can lead to cavities. It is pertinent to note that acids can be more dangerous when there is a formation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film which is based on oral bacteria and food remains which are not cleaned on timely basis. This sticky film keeps building up on the surface of the teeth and around the gum line. The hardening of plaque can lead to increased risk for the tooth enamel, thus causing tooth decay and cavities.
To prevent the buildup of plaque, you have to make sure that you are taking good care of your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing on daily basis is important. Flossing is specifically worth talking about in this scenario because you need to clean the interdental spaces.
