Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

The query ‘what causes tooth decay’ remains unknown to many people. Actually, decay in the tooth is resulted from demineralization process, which in turn is caused due to accumulation of acids on the tooth surface. This acid is secreted by bacteria present in the mouth, in the presence of glucose, sucrose or fructose. In short, the causes of tooth decay are acid producing bacteria and dietary choices. All of us want to stay healthy throughout our lives explains Dentist Castle Rock. This includes keeping all or most of our natural teeth. Just the simple fact that we are keeping our natural teeth longer means our teeth are more at risk of some dental conditions. Common oral conditions in adults can include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth and tooth sensitivity. Dentists are fighting a losing war against bacteria, the battleground is your mouth, and in the process you lose healthy tooth structures, and money.

Normal Causes

When food containing fermentable carbohydrate and sugars are ingested, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus act on them, leading to production of lactic acid. Dental plaque is then formed by combination of saliva, bacteria, acid, and food wastes. In such an acidic condition, demineralization of the tooth takes place, this over time results in holes and cavities. No doubt, our teeth are always in a state of demineralization and remineralization processes. But, in a decaying tooth, dissolving of mineral occurs in a rapid rate and the affected tooth cannot recover. Acids can dissolve (erode) tooth enamel. Often teeth that appear to be severely worn down have been affected by erosion. The acids that erode tooth enamel usually come from foods and drinks or from gastric reflux. Some inhalers, especially those containing steroids, can cause dental erosion. The frequent need to use antacid products or a sour taste in your mouth may indicate that you have gastric reflux. Frequency of intake of acidic drinks or foods is an important factor in erosion explains Dentist Castle Rock. Sipping orange juice frequently, chewing vitamin C tablets, frequent intake of soft drinks or sports/energy drinks, or the generous use of vinegar in foods may contribute to tooth erosion. In an extensive study of over 15,000 people, the Centers for Disease Control published some statistics regarding tooth decay that should be cause for alarm for most people. Here is a summary: The older you get, the more your teeth are affected by decay. That’s why old people have dentures (fake teeth) and most young people do not…yet. On average, people in the 16-19 age group have 11.6% of all teeth affected by decay at one time. This steadily increases, and by the time adults are over 60, more than half of their teeth (62.36%) have been affected by decay. A total of 93.1% of all people over the age of 60 have had teeth affected by tooth decay.

Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

Prevention & Care

Have a look in your mouth regularly. Although you cannot check your mouth as well as a dental professional, you may see some early signs of tooth decay. Gently lift your lip and look at your teeth near the gum line. Early decay may look like a white spot near the gum line. A dark spot may be decay or may be stain says Dentist Castle Rock. Your dentist can confirm if you have tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, especially before bedtime. If you have trouble brushing thoroughly, try a battery powered or electric toothbrush. Use floss or other special cleaning aids to clean between teeth. Make changes to your diet to reduce sugar intake. If you have dry mouth, follow the advice for dry mouth in the next section of this brochure. If your dentist confirms that you are “at risk” of tooth decay, you may need to increase your fluoride protection. Vital vitamins are absent from most people’s diets, so their teeth decay and their gums recede. Learn how to add those vitamins back into your diet to achieve remarkable tooth remineralization. Have you ever wondered if what you are eating might be causing your teeth to decay? Here you will get clear information on which foods cause tooth decay, and which foods stop it.

Acute Rapid Decay

Based on the location, there are two types of tooth decay, namely, pit and fissures carries and smooth surface carries. Decay in adults can be common around fillings and between teeth. A particular problem may be decay on the root surfaces of teeth when gums recede states Dentist Castle Rock. Also, acute carries (rapid decay) and chronic carries (slow decay) are classified, depending upon the rate of disease progression. Most people are affected with chronic type, while acute condition is triggered by certain factors. The causes of rapid tooth decay are attributed to poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, dry mouth, diabetes, and radiation therapy. Changes in lifestyle, such as starting a family, changing jobs, moving house, intensive athletic training or the psychological impact of losing a loved one, can disrupt normal daily care and diet, increasing the risk of caries. Medicines may contain high levels of ?hidden sugars? or may reduce saliva flow. When gums recede, teeth may appear to be getting longer, as the root of the tooth becomes more visible. Saliva is the body´s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away acids and puts minerals back into teeth. If you lack adequate saliva flow, your teeth can decay and wear away more easily and you can get more gum problems. Smoking, caffeine, some medicines and illnesses (including depression) that affect saliva glands may reduce your saliva flow.