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Tooth Decay Is An Imbalance Of Mineral Loss And Replacement

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Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is an imbalance of mineral loss and replacement within a tooth over time in response to acid attacks on a daily basis. These acid attacks are a direct result of food and drink consumption resulting in cavities and decay. The cavity and tooth decay process can be prevented by working closely with a professional dentist and following a thorough at-home dental health routine. Eating the correct foods at the right times and avoiding certain snacks can all help to prevent tooth decay. So let’s take a look at tooth decay and the actual process itself.

Tooth decay is the formation of cavities or dental caries as they’re also known. The process involves three major factors including food and/or beverages consumed, the …show more content…

This series of attacks and rebuilds is much like a tug of war in your mouth. It’s also a way of the body protecting itself from everyday problems. In order to help prevent tooth decay we must first understand it fully and a great way to begin is to look at each of the three main factors in closer detail.

The three main factors in tooth decay

Food and Drink – when food and drink is consumed over an extended period of time between meals, the balance between remineralisation and demineralisation can tip in favour of tooth decay. Sticky foods such as caramel and raisins are particularly adept at causing acid attacks that become too much for saliva to prevent and repair. Eating these foods during a meal however allows for the tug-of-war scenario to become a winning situation for a person and their teeth. A scenario in which tooth decay can occur rather rapidly happens to be when children are allowed to fall asleep with a bottle. This can be the same if a bottle is given to them for them to carry around too. Whether it contains milk, juice or another drink, bacteria can use them all to produce acids and this is known as “baby bottle tooth decay”. In order to help prevent tooth decay, you must limit the intake of sugary and sticky foods along with sweetened beverages between your meals.

Bacteria in Plaque – plaque on your teeth should be removed by your toothbrush and floss everyday. Usually, in the majority of cases a clean tooth

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