How to Deal With Dental Caries

People who love sweets are at risk of dental caries or tooth decay. The food itself does not contain harmful acids that can destroy the teeth, but the sugar in it has a major role in the formation of the acid responsible for decay. This is not to scare people and stop them from eating sweets; rather, this is to inform why they need to limit eating sweets to prevent dental caries from developing into a monster.

Dental caries is the decomposition of the hard tissue of the teeth due to the lactic acid formed by combining the enzymes produced by Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus and the sugar from foodstuffs left in between or on the surface of the teeth. This acid is capable of melting down the enamel (the hardest tissue in the body) and turning it into a black coarse surface. Such an occurrence can lead to depletion of the underlying layers and can cause some sensitivity issues.

Dentists in cities like Hanahan and Goose Creek tackle cases of rotting from dental caries most of the time. Patients who suffer dental caries often experience pain and sensitivity when the affected teeth make contact with hot or cold substances because the sensitive layers are already exposed. Severe case of decay results in infection of the tissues and mild cases of periodontitis. This is why most dentists resort to extraction.

Good thing dental caries can be prevented; not by avoiding eating sweets as any food can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but maintaining proper oral hygiene. Any dentist Hanahan has will recommend brushing the teeth regularly as the ultimate preventative measure. The toothpaste used when brushing contains fluoride that buffers bacteria in forming on the surface of the teeth.

Most foods contain fluoride but with very little amount, which is easily rinsed off by water when a person drinks or gurgles. A dentist in Goose Creek will suggest using mouthwash to provide further protection on the teeth after brushing. The teeth need to be regularly remineralized with fluoride to prevent any bacteria from accumulating.

If dentists Goose Creek has find dental caries beginning to build a burrow into the teeth, they can prevent it from worsening by putting dental amalgam on the hole. That will keep the bacteria from digging deeper into the sensitive layers of the teeth, subsequently saving the teeth from immediate extraction.