Remember as a child when our mother used to stop us from eating at night, especially our favourite chocolates. And even after all the resistance when we ate those delicious chocolates, she made us brush forcibly. It was all so tiring, right?
But have you ever thought about why she did that?
She wanted us to enjoy those delicacies, but she was preventing our teeth from one big disaster: CAVITY!
Didn’t get it? Read along & you will know HOW!
Let’s keep nostalgia aside and talk facts!
Technically, a cavity is a small hole in the hard surface of your tooth caused by tooth decay.
A cavity is caused by tooth decay. But what causes tooth decay?
It’s the BACTERIA!
Understand how bacteria cause cavities with these 4 points:
- When you consume food and drinks, the sugar and starch gets deposited on and around teeth. It is called plaque & when it gets hardened, it’s called tartar.
- Just like how you used to get attracted to chocolates, bacteria in our mouth gets attracted to plaque and tartar!
- They feed on it and produce acid that erodes the protector of our teeth: enamel.
- When the protector of teeth is weakened or damaged, cavities occur!
What are the effects of cavities?
The effects are pain, teeth sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Therefore, it is important to prevent cavities by taking good care of your oral health.
Here are some tips to help you prevent cavities:
- FLOSS or use an interdental cleaner daily to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can cause cavities if not removed regularly.
- EAT HEALTHY FOODS and limit sugary and starchy snacks and drinks. Sugary and starchy foods and drinks provide fuel for bacteria to produce acid that attacks your enamel. Choose foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, nuts, and whole grains, to support your oral health.
- VISIT YOUR DENTIST regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can detect cavities early and treat them before they become worse. They can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that you cannot remove by brushing and flossing alone. Tartar is a hardened plaque that can also cause cavities.
- HAVE SEALANTS placed on your back teeth if recommended by your dentist. Sealants are a protective coating that covers the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars, where cavities often occur. Sealants prevent bacteria and food particles from getting stuck in these areas and causing decay.
- USE A MOUTH RINSE that contains fluoride or antimicrobial agents if advised by your dentist. A mouth rinses can help to rinse away any remaining food particles or bacteria from your mouth after brushing and flossing. It can also help to prevent plaque build-up and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Lastly, the age-old advice: BRUSH YOUR TEETH at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush all sides of your teeth for two minutes each time.
Now you know why our mother stopped us from eating those chocolates and forced us to brush!
By following these simple tips, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong and avoid those painful cavities.
SUMMARY: Remember to avoid cavities and maintain a beautiful smile brush, floss, eat well, visit your dentist, rinse regularly, and listen to your mother! 😉
Hope you find this blog useful. #KeepSmiling
