Dental caries constitute some of the leading health problems in the UK. They affect people of all ages and, if not properly managed, can lead to more serious oral issues. The basic preventive actions include proper oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups. Read on to learn more about combating this problem.
What Are Dental Caries?
Also known as cavities or tooth decay, dental caries are damages to the enamel that lead to holes and openings in the tooth. They also lead to bigger issues when not treated early, including toothache and tooth loss.
Dental caries can result from several factors and depict several symptoms. Those symptoms include mild to severe toothache, increased tooth sensitivity, visible holes and openings, and pain when eating hot or cold food.
Common Causes of Dental Caries
There are several habits and factors that result in dental caries. These include:
- Poor teeth hygiene
- Lack of fluoride in your diet
- Frequent sugary food intake
- Dry mouth leading to increased bacterial activity
- Intake of foods that stick to the teeth
- Presence of dental plaques
- Eating disorders and patterns
- Age (old people are more prone due to wearing of teeth)
- Teeth location: Teeth found in the back of the mouth are more susceptible to dental caries.
Tips to Follow to Prevent Dental Caries
To prevent the risk of dental caries, you need to adopt certain habits and routines.
- Brush Regularly With Fluoride Toothpaste: Nothing beats good oral hygiene. It’s the sure-fire step for preventing oral cavities. Therefore, you should adopt a strict brushing routine (twice daily at least) and use fluoride toothpaste as they help strengthen teeth and contain minerals necessary for healthy teeth.
- Floss Daily: Food often gets stuck between teeth, and leaving them there sets you up for cavities. Be sure to floss after every meal to prevent this.
- Pay Regular Visits to the Dentist: Dentists are trained to perform thorough oral exams. If you have an issue with your teeth, a good visit to any Zen dental clinic can help you tackle it early.
- Rinse Your Mouth Regularly: Another reason to see the dentist is that they can tell when you need regular rinsing. This is done with a fluoride mouthwash to prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid Tooth-damaging Meals: Certain meals, when taken in excess, do more harm than good to your teeth. Also, when you snack excessively, you subject your teeth to bacterial activity leading to an increased risk of dental caries.
- Use Dental Sealants: In the process of chewing, food particles get stuck to the grooves and crannies of the molars and premolars. This leads to dental caries and other oral infections. However, plastic coatings, known as sealants, can be applied on those chewing surfaces for protection. They’re helpful for young kids with developing teeth.
Wrapping Up
Having good oral health is very important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It affects the way people talk, impacts their smile and their confidence, as well improving their overall appearance. Therefore, it’s important to take oral hygiene seriously to prevent complications such as dental caries and tooth loss.
