Tooth Decay

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a very common issue in today’s society and especially in young children. Tooth decay occurs due to a build-up of plaque on your teeth that releases acid. This causes the rotting and cavities to appear in your teeth. Allowing plaque to build up on your teeth can cause other issues such as gum disease or abscesses.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

There are a few symptoms that may mean you or your child could be suffering from Tooth decay. Here are a few examples:

• Toothache – continuous or intermittent pain
• Bad breath
• Black or brown spots appearing on teeth
• Tooth sensitivity

Ways to prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common problem however it can be entirely preventable. There are many ways to avoid tooth decay. Here are a few examples:

• Visit your dentist regularly
• Cut down on sugary food and drinks, particularly within an hour of going to bed
• DO NOT smoke or drink alcohol excessively
• Brush your teeth properly with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, using floss and an interdental brush at least once a day

Protecting your children’s teeth from Tooth Decay

To prevent your children from tooth decay, you must from an early age show them healthy eating habits and most importantly, show them the best ways to keep their teeth clean. By showing your children the best way to keep their teeth and gums clean, you will help them keep a lot more plaque from sitting on their teeth and this will significantly reduce the risk of them suffering from tooth decay. Also, regular visits to the dentist from a very young age will ensure that your children’s teeth are being cleaned properly. If you are not aware of the best techniques to show your children, a dentist can show them some of the best ways to keep their teeth as clean as possible.