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Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a global problem. Although it is common amongst children and young adults, it's a health problem that can effect anyone from any walk of life. Poor dental care and excessive sugar can contribute to tooth decay, but it can affect even the most cautious of people.

Plaque is the common contributor to tooth decay and can cause problems when built up within the grooves or gum line of certain teeth. Food debris and other bacteria can cause the build up of plaque and can even lead to the loss of teeth. Over a lengthy period of time, this plaque can actually become hardened and form a substance called tartar. Both of these substances contain substantial amounts of acid and can decay teeth and bring about cavities and holes within the teeth.

So how can you tell if you may be suffering from tooth decay? The most common symptom is pain in your teeth after consuming an especially hot or cold substance. In some instances this is only noticeable in very severe cases and the best way to determine if tooth decay is present is by making scheduled trips to your family dentist. If tooth decay is left untreated it can lead to severe cases of tooth abscess, which can lead to the loss of some or all of your teeth.

Some people refuse to realise the importance of a healthy diet when it comes to the battle against tooth decay. The more starch and sugar that you eat, the more likely you are to suffer from these problems. On top of this, the more often you snack on goodies, the more common it is for plaque to build up on your teeth and gums. If you neglect to take care of your teeth by flossing or brushing, the acid in food can begin to decay your teeth as early as twenty minutes after each meal.

So the next question becomes, how do you go about preventing tooth decay? Regular cleaning of your teeth and gums is the best form of defense and it is recommended that you thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day. Fluoride is also a very beneficial ingredient in the fight against decay and you can find many types of toothpaste that contain this helpful product. While some people neglect it, flossing is also one of the most powerful tools when it comes to protecting yourself against tooth decay.

If you have been unable to defend yourself against tooth decay then there are very few options when it comes to treatment. The best remedy is in fact prevention and you can reduce the effects if you are able to catch the decay in its early stages. This is why it is of the utmost importance to schedule regular appointments to see the dentist.

No matter how well you brush, floss or take care of your teeth, you still run the risk of being affected by tooth decay. Dentists are professionally trained to prevent, stop and remove tooth decay. They can prevent tooth decay better than anyone else, and in situations where the decay has grown severe, they can take action in the form of a root canal or other dental surgery.

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