Why Do Teeth Decay?
Although our teeth are one of the hardest tissues in our body, they can decay over time if not regularly cared for. Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems worldwide and is a disease that can affect individuals of all ages. It mostly occurs due to reasons such as poor oral hygiene, unhealthy eating habits and genetic factors. The development process of tooth decay begins when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugary foods and produce acid, damaging the tooth enamel. This process can cause the tooth to lose its structural integrity over time.
Noticing tooth decay in the early stages can make the treatment process much easier and more effective. However, most people ignore the condition until the symptoms of decay become apparent. Habits such as regular tooth brushing, flossing, healthy eating and regular dentist visits are of great importance in maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay. In addition, staying away from sugary and acidic foods helps protect tooth enamel.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay actually begins with the damage to the hard enamel layer that forms the outermost part of the tooth over time. This process is triggered by bacteria in the mouth fermenting the sugars and carbohydrates in the food we eat. These fermented substances create an acidic environment, and this acid damages the tooth enamel and disrupts the structural integrity of the tooth. The main causes of tooth decay can be listed as follows:
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene
When oral hygiene is not given due attention, food residues and bacteria on the teeth begin to accumulate. These deposits create an acidic environment on the teeth and erode the tooth enamel over time. Not brushing your teeth regularly and not using dental floss accelerates this process. Bacteria accumulated in the mouth ferment the sugars in the food and produce acid, which leads to decay.
- Excessive Sugar and Carbohydrate Consumption
Sugary foods and drinks are the biggest enemies of tooth decay. Sugar is converted into acid by bacteria in the mouth. These acids damage tooth enamel and pave the way for decay. Sugar is found not only in sweets, but also in drinks, fruit juices and some snacks containing added sugar. Excessive consumption of such foods is a factor that accelerates the formation of decay.
- Insufficient Saliva Flow
Saliva is an important component that protects our teeth. It neutralizes the acidic environments in the mouth, cleans the teeth and also helps strengthen the tooth enamel by mineralizing it. However, some health problems, medication use or conditions such as dehydration can reduce saliva production. Decreased saliva flow can cause teeth to decay more easily.
- Genetic Predisposition
Some people may be genetically more prone to tooth decay. Factors such as tooth structure, enamel thickness and saliva pH vary from person to person. Weak tooth enamel or low resistance to acidic environments can lead to faster progression of tooth decay.
- Tooth Defects or Decay
Teeth may be congenitally deformed or decay may not be noticed at the initial stage. Decay that is not treated at an early stage may deepen over time and affect the entire tooth. Similarly, broken or cracked teeth may allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth and cause the decay to spread rapidly.
How Tooth Decay Occurs
The process of tooth decay usually progresses through several stages, and each stage brings the tooth one step closer to losing its structural integrity. The first stage begins with white spots on the enamel layer of the tooth, called white lesions. These spots indicate that the tooth enamel has begun to lose its minerals.
This stage can be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices and the use of fluoride, and the health of the tooth can be preserved. However, if this stage is neglected, acid production continues and the dentin layer underneath begins to be affected after the enamel has been further eroded. Since dentin is softer and more sensitive to acidic environments than enamel, tooth decay progresses more deeply at this stage.
As the decay progresses, the damage to the dentin layer increases and the pulp inside the tooth, that is, the nerves and vessels of the tooth, can also be affected. At this stage, it is common for the tooth to hurt. If left untreated at this stage, infections may occur and the health of the tooth can be seriously impaired.The final stage occurs when the tooth decay is very advanced; the pulp layer is completely damaged and the root of the tooth can become infected. In this case, advanced treatment options such as losing the tooth or root canal treatment may be required.
Each stage of tooth decay leads to more serious consequences if left untreated, so early intervention is very important.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
It is very important to establish a regular oral care routine to keep teeth healthy and prevent decay. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially in the morning and at night, with fluoride toothpaste can prevent plaque accumulation and strengthen tooth enamel. In addition to brushing your teeth, flossing helps to remove food residue and plaque from between your teeth. In addition, sugary and acidic foods and drinks are harmful to your teeth and can lead to cavities, so it is necessary to limit the consumption of such foods. A balanced diet containing calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D is also very important for your dental health.
In addition, visiting your dentist regularly helps to detect potential problems early and intervene. Fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes help to strengthen tooth enamel, while avoiding habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption protects dental health. By adopting all these habits, you can keep your teeth healthy for a long time and prevent cavities.
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly
Brushing your teeth properly is a basic step to maintaining dental health and it is very important to do it with the right technique. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush your teeth with circular movements. Carefully clean every surface of the tooth – the outer, inner and chewing surfaces.
For the inside of the teeth, hold the brush upright and brush with short, back and forth movements. The duration of brushing your teeth should be at least two minutes and avoid applying too much pressure to avoid damaging your gums. It is also important to change your toothbrush regularly and provide effective cleaning. In addition to brushing your teeth, using dental floss and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash also reinforces oral hygiene. In addition, do not forget to have your dental check-up every 6 months…
