Causes of Tooth Decay and How to Prevent It

Teeth are strong but sensitive. They need special and constant care to stay away from diseases. It is our job to make sure that our teeth are not exposed to bacteria and germs, which can not only deteriorate tooth health but also result in tooth fall, apart from causing several health concerns. Consider consulting a dentist if you have doubts about dental care and oral hygiene. 

Our body is a fighter. It fights against diseases and germs all day long. There are always micro-organisms present in our body, trying to make their place in the system. This fight begins right on the gateway of our body, the mouth. As soon as we consume food, acid and germs begin their work of degrading tooth health, while our body fights back and prevents damage from occurring. Sometimes the fight is won by the germs, sometimes by the body. There is one more adversary that our body has to fight off to keep the mouth healthy, that is ‘us’. We are probably the reason why our body loses to germs more often than it wins.

 
          There are many ways through which our eating and lifestyle habits can cause tooth decay. 

• Poor Brushing Habits – Brushing teeth twice a day is considered the most basic hygiene habit worldwide. It is the best way to start the day and end it, by brushing off germs from the surface of teeth and gums. But brushing properly is important too. Aggressive brushing and use of incorrect method can do more harm than help. Many gum diseases and defects are triggered by aggressive brushing and the consequent damage done by it.
• Drinking Too Much – Drinking too much alcohol can not only affect our body but can have a degenerating affect on the teeth. It can cause enamel to lose its natural shine and texture apart from reducing its strength.
• Smoking – Smoking regularly can put your body in poor shape. Apart from causing major damage to the body, it causes rapid decline in tooth health too. Smoking can cause gap between teeth, week gums, gum diseases and tooth discoloration.
• Clenching or Grinding of Teeth – Grinding of teeth is a common habit, which we often indulge in during stressful days. Some people also tend to grind their teeth while asleep. Regular clenching of teeth can result in degradation of tooth surface and even chipping of teeth. Chipped teeth can be the cause of decay in teeth so it is important to keep a check on clenching.
• Eating Sweets – There is a reason why sweets and teeth do not see eye to eye. Hard candies, sticky candies and chocolates are the worst enemies of teeth and can greatly contribute to the build-up of germs inside the mouth. So to keep mouth healthy, you will have to reduce the amount of sweets you eat.

Everything we consume has an effect on our tooth health. But some consumables are more harmful than others. Drinks and foods like colas, sports drinks and candies, all of which are rich in sugar content, are unhealthy for our mouth. Sugar helps the germs in speeding up the process of enamel degradation and formation of plaque, which in turn causes tooth decay. 

Regular Dental Checkup in Winnipeg can keep dental problems away and helps to maintain Oral Hygiene. Consult your general or family dentist and ask for tips on how to maintain healthy teeth. Visiting the dentist regularly and good oral hygiene habits are the best ways to keep a check on growing germs in the body and preventing decay in teeth.