Tooth decay has become a common problem that people of all ages face today. While some people fail to identify this dental problem, others overlook the serious consequences of tooth decay. Some common symptoms of tooth decay includes severe and continuous toothache, bad breath and bad taste while eating, swelling in gums near the affected tooth, and black or brown spots on the teeth. Now let’s look at some common and major causes of tooth decay.
Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can be harmful to your dental health in several ways. Sugar sticks to your tooth’s surface and gets trapped in the crevices. These bacteria feed on sugar and release plaque-causing acids. This is how sugary foods and beverages are the major cause of tooth decays and cavities.
Acidic foods and drinks like pickles, citrus fruits, soda, alcohol, etc. damage tooth enamel directly and lead to tooth decay.
Tobacco Consumption
Tobacco consumption, in any form, is harmful to your oral health. Continuous use of tobacco limits saliva production and flow in your mouth. Smoking cigarette and chewing tobacco can stain your teeth, produce bad breath, and result in cavities and decays.
Less Saliva Flow
Saliva washes away food particles, sugars, acids, bacteria, and germs from your mouth and prevents plaque, cavities, and decays. Saliva also dilutes harmful acid that is released by bacteria. But a lack of saliva flow can easily result in tooth decay and other dental problems. Lack of saliva generally occurs due to certain medicines, consumption of alcohol, excessive use of tobacco, breathing through the mouth, or because of some health conditions like diabetes and xerostomia.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing inadequately or improperly can leave the food particles and harmful bacteria and germs in your mouth. These bacteria are major causes of tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, plaque, and other oral issues. Lack of oral hygiene also includes not brushing your tongue and not using a mouthwash.
Inadequate Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acids produced by harmful bacteria in your mouth. Generally, toothpastes and mouthwashes contain an adequate amount of fluoride. Also, fluoride is added to many public water supplies. Individuals who don’t get enough fluoride are likely to develop decays and cavities.
Age Factor
Although everyone is under the risk of developing a tooth decay, children and old aged people are more likely to develop tooth decays. Tooth decay becomes more common with age. Children and elderly people are also more exposed to other dental problems such as periodontal diseases, cavities, tooth loss, enamel depletion, etc.
If ignored, tooth decay can result in unbearable pain and even tooth loss. Thus, avoid ignoring the obvious signs of tooth decay and visit our Edmonton Downtown Dentists at the earliest. Our dentists can help you achieve healthy oral health and a beautiful smile.
