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Tooth Decay and How to Prevent It

Did you know tooth decay is one of the most common diseases, and is only beaten by the common cold? Most people will require at least one filling during their lifetime, but is it possible to prevent it?

There are various strategies you can take to try to prevent tooth decay, and this is something that we can help you with at Leeds City Dentalcare. Not everyone has the same risk of developing tooth decay, but this can change over time. It can be influenced by a number of different factors such as the number of bad bacteria in the mouth, whether or not sufficient saliva is produced, and dietary habits.

Healthy habits that help prevent tooth decay include having a nutritionally sound diet, producing sufficient amounts of saliva, and quite possibly the use of dental sealants to seal the chewing surfaces of back teeth, and the use of topical fluoride or antibacterial agents in the form of a mouthwash if required.

Strategies to Help Keep Your Teeth Free from Decay

Maintaining a healthy diet will help considerably, as your teeth will receive all the nutrients they require to stay healthy and strong, and will be less likely to be exposed to harmful foods. Sweet and sticky foods will tend to stick to the teeth for long periods of time and this can greatly increase the chance of tooth decay. The reason for this is that it will provide plenty of food for the harmful bacteria in your mouth, and these will reward you by producing acids that will attack your teeth, softening the tooth enamel. Your mouth becomes more acidic for up to an hour after eating, and this is one of the reasons why it’s important not to snack too frequently on unhealthy foods.

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day without fail will also help tremendously. It’s all too easy to underestimate the need to floss every day, but it is essential as the contact areas in between your teeth are prone towards developing decay. This is due to the fact that they trap food, allowing the harmful bacteria in your mouth to thrive. You need to floss right down to and just below the gum line, and if you find this difficult it’s worth asking Dr. David Brown or any of the dental staff at our Leeds surgery for help and advice. You’d be surprised how much easier it can be with just a few simple tips and a quick demonstration.

Children and teenagers, and anyone who doesn’t have any cavities in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, may be able to have dental sealants applied. Sealants are excellent at helping to prevent decay in these vulnerable chewing surfaces, but can only be applied to teeth that do not have any fillings.

Visiting Leeds City Dentalcare for regular checks and a scale and polish will allow our dentist in Leeds to pick up the very early signs of decay before they even cause you any nasty symptoms. Preventative dental care is something that we take very seriously as we would far rather keep your teeth healthy and free from fillings for as long as possible.