Many of us may not be aware that we have cavities in our teeth, and we're oblivious to the pain they cause. The truth is, tooth decay can happen quickly if you don't take care of your teeth or watch what you eat. This blog post will provide information on the causes of tooth decay and how to prevent it. One of the most common causes of tooth decay is caused by plaque, a bacterial film that sticks to your teeth and builds up over time. It contains bacteria that produce acid in your mouth. This acid eats away at the hard outer enamel of the teeth, creating decay.

Your best defence against plaque is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly and eating a healthy diet. To help prevent tooth decay, always avoid sugary foods and drinks whenever possible, especially between meals, because this allows the sugar to sit on your teeth for long periods of time without being rinsed away or scrubbed out by the action of brushing or chewing. If you must have sugary food or drink, brush afterwards to get rid of any lingering residue from your teeth. The healthier you eat overall, the less sugar you'll need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Another cause of tooth decay is when the enamel breaks down due to an infection in the gums, sometimes caused by periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque buildup in the mouth causes redness and swelling in gum tissue or pockets between teeth and gums that trap debris. Our mouths are home to billions of bacteria, some good for keeping bad breath away, others not so good at all. To obtain more information kindly check out LiveHealthy Narducci.

Plaque forms when food particles mix with saliva and bacteria that naturally occur in our mouths; it contains bacteria that produce acid in our oral environment, which eats away at the hard outer enamel of our teeth. If left untreated, severe gum infections can lead to tooth loss. To avoid gum disease, you must practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque that can irritate gums. It's also important for children to see a dentist twice a year to prevent cavities, and this may prevent gum problems from developing in the first place. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups so your dentist can clean your teeth and perform an exam every six months.

Fluoride treatments administered by your dentist can strengthen tooth enamel and help fight decay, and it may be recommended for people who are prone to cavities. Another cause of tooth decay is malnutrition, or a diet that lacks certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed for healthy teeth. For example, not getting enough vitamin D can lead to dry mouth, which encourages the growth of cavity-causing bacteria; iron deficiency can also increase your risk because it prevents the formation of some proteins needed for structural strength in enamel. This is one more reason why if you're worried about cavities, you need to practice proper dental hygiene.