The breakdown of your tooth enamel, the hard outer coating of your teeth, is known as cavities or dental decay. Children, teenagers, and adults may experience issues with it. Your teeth are continuously covered in plaque, a sticky layer of microorganisms. The bacteria in plaque create acids that erode tooth enamel when you consume sugar-containing meals or beverages. These acids are kept in touch with your teeth by the sticky nature of the plaque, which can eventually cause the enamel to deteriorate. Cavities may develop at this point. A little hole in your tooth is called a cavity.
Although cavities are more frequent in children, they can also affect adults because to changes that come with age. Tooth roots may become exposed to plaque due to the recession of the gums away from the teeth and an elevated risk of gum disease. Cementum, a softer substance than enamel, covers the roots of teeth. They are more sensitive to touch, heat, and cold, and they are prone to deterioration. Tooth and root decay are frequent in persons over 50.
For elderly persons, decay around the margins or edges of fillings is also typical. Many elderly persons have several tooth fillings because they were not exposed to fluoride or current preventative dental treatment throughout their childhood. These fillings have a tendency to deteriorate, break, and leak around the edges as time goes on. Decomposition results from the accumulation of bacteria in these microscopic fissures, which causes an accumulation of acid.
The following advice will help you avoid tooth decay:
- Use fluoride toothpaste and brush twice a day.
- Use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean in between your teeth every day.
- Limit snacking and have wholesome, well-balanced meals.
- Consult your dentist about applying dental sealants, a plastic protective covering, to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, which are where decay frequently begins, and about using more fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
- For routine dental cleanings and examinations, schedule frequent visits to your dentist.