One of the most prevalent issues with oral health is tooth decay, which may be avoided. Plaque, a bacterial coating that accumulates on teeth and is sticky, is the primary cause of tooth decay. Tartar can develop when plaque is not removed or hardened. Tooth decay and gum disease can be caused by tartar buildup — tooth decay results when the tooth’s outer layer’s enamel erodes and lets bacteria inside.

The bacteria then produce acids that eat away at the tooth, causing cavities. The good news is that there’re many ways to prevent tooth decay. Below, we will explore some causes of tooth decay and how to prevent it.

What is Tooth Decay?

The breakdown of tooth structure by acidic bacterial products is known as tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque to accumulate on teeth, is the primary contributor to tooth decay. On teeth, a sticky film of germs known as plaque is continually forming. Without being eliminated, plaque can harden into tartar, which is far more challenging to get rid of. Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque and tartar erode at tooth enamel, the teeth’s tough outer layer. We refer to this etching of the tooth enamel as a “cavity.” Cavities are a type of tooth injury that a dentist can only fix.

Tooth decay is a preventable disease. The right way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. A balanced diet with plenty of fluoride-rich foods and drinks can also help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by several things, including poor oral hygiene, eating sugary or acidic foods, and not getting enough fluoride.

Poor oral hygiene: Plaque can accumulate on your teeth if you don’t brush and floss them frequently. On your teeth and gums, plaque, a sticky coating of germs, accumulates. The acids that the bacteria in plaque can produce harm the enamel on your teeth.

Eating sugary or acidic foods: One of the leading causes of dental decay is sugar. Sugar is converted to acid by plaque bacteria when you eat foods high in sugar. This acid can then attack your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Acidic foods can also damage your teeth because they can erode tooth enamel.

Not getting enough fluoride: Fluoride helps to prevent cavities by making your tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. If you don’t get enough fluoride, you’re at a higher risk of developing cavities.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay?

Numerous causes, such as oral bacteria, frequent snacking, consuming sugary beverages, and improper tooth cleaning, can lead to tooth decay. You can reduce the risk of developing dental decay by using fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing every day, maintaining a healthy diet, and drinking lots of water.

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque from teeth and strengthens tooth enamel. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Eating a balanced diet helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Drinking plenty of water helps rinse away food and debris from your teeth.

Tooth decay is among the most common dental problems, and several factors can cause it. If you are experiencing signs of tooth decay, it is important to consult with experts at Integra Dental, one of Australia’s best dental health clinics. Our team can help you determine the cause of your tooth decay and create a treatment plan to prevent further damage.