Top 7 Causes of Tooth Decay

by / Tuesday, 25 April 2017 / Published in Dental Implants

Also called cavities, tooth decay occurs when the bacteria residing in your mouth starts to eat away your tooth. When left untreated, it can result in extreme pain, infection, and tooth loss. As you can imagine, prevention should be a priority.

If you have tooth decay and are finding a dentist Redwood City, it helps to know the primary causes of tooth decay. Check them out below.

  • Cause #1: Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is when you don’t brush your teeth, tongue, and mouth regularly. In general, we’re just okay with brushing in the morning and at night before going to bed. However, what’s ideal is to brush every at least 2 minutes.

  • Cause #2: Sweet and Sugary Foods

Foods that are rich in sugar are another primary cause of tooth decay. Basically, the bacteria in the mouth will thrive because of sugary foods. When they do, they start to envelope the teeth with a damaging acid. Remember that the process may happen in a matter of seconds. That is why it is highly recommended to brush the teeth after each meal.

  • Cause #3: Dry Mouth Problems

Saliva can trigger the growth of plaque. Because of that, persons suffering from dry mouth problems are more at risk for dental issues that may result in tooth decay. You know what causes dry mouth? Prescription medicines. If you have dry mouth, it is best that you work closely with a general dentistry professional to prevent the issue from becoming worse.

  • Cause #4: Acidic Foods

More often than not, we associate acidic foods with soda. But truth be told, the most common foods we eat every day contain acids. Of course, carbonated drinks like soda and fruit juices have acidic agents, but it is worth knowing that bread and fish also contain acid.

  • Cause #5: Tooth Grinding

Unknowingly, some people grind their teeth. It usually occurs when a person is too stressed or is asleep. And how is it related to tooth decay? Tooth grinding results in tooth decay because it gets rid of the outer layer of the tooth enamel.

  • Cause #6: Age

As we age, more and more issues arise. One of it is tooth decay. However, that does not mean you can’t do anything about it. With the help of a local dentist finder Redwood, you should be able to see a dentist, who can help resolve dental problems brought about by age. Visit sites like durhamdental.net for additional guidance.

  • Cause #7:

Believe it or not, many people are suffering from tooth decay because of genetics. Just as you inherit the color of your skin, hair, and eyes from your family members, chances are, you also inherit enamel issues and tooth crevices that may lead to cavities.

Don’t worry though. Finding a dentist who will help you with your oral problems is as easy as pie. Also, if you are afraid of him, don’t be. He is there to help. Make it a habit to visit him at least once every six months for regular examination. During the examination, he should be able to detect any signs of tooth decay and recommend appropriate solutions for them. For instance, if you have lost few of your teeth due to decay or injuries, he may recommend dental implants to replace them. There are also experts in Pediatric Dental Care Services who specialize in handling kids’ dental health concerns.

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