When germs or bacteria eat the tooth away by making acid in the mouth, tooth decay occurs. It may form a hole in a tooth, which is called cavity. If the tooth decay is not treated timely, then it can lead to infection, tooth loss, and pain, which is unbearable. In extreme cases, an even abscess is formed in the tooth.
There are three layers of tooth:
When germs or bacteria eat the tooth away by making acid in the mouth, tooth decay occurs. It may form a hole in a tooth, which is called cavity. If the tooth decay is not treated timely, then it can lead to infection, tooth loss, and pain, which is unbearable. In extreme cases, an even abscess is formed in the tooth.
There are three layers of tooth:
Symptoms of a tooth decay increase with time. Tooth decay can lead to:
It is important to maintain a good oral health, but today’s lifestyle makes it difficult to achieve healthy teeth and gums. Here are some important tips that one must follow to prevent tooth decay:
Foods play an essential role in the prevention of tooth decay. Some foods that are beneficial and essential for tooth health are:
Calcium rich foods: Calcium is the main element to avoid the decaying of the tooth, especially for children. One must consider consuming dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. These food items are high in fat and if one is aiming for low-fat foods for preventing tooth decay than low-fat yoghurt and cheese, and skimmed milk are equally beneficial.
Whole grain foods: Whole grain food provides iron and vitamin B that promote the healthy gums. Also, whole grain foods have magnesium as an ingredient, which plays vital a role in teeth and bone health. Adding to the benefits whole grain foods are high in fibre content. The few whole grain foods one can consume to prevent tooth decay are brown rice, pasta, bran and while-grain cereal.
High fibre Foods: Consuming high-fibre foods keep the saliva flowing that helps to create a defence against the tooth decay. Some great sources of fibre are fresh fruits such as orange, apples and bananas, and dry fruits like raisins, figs, and dates. Also, some vegetables can be included in the list like Brussels sprouts, peas, and beans. Nuts like almond and peanuts are also good options.
Chewing sugar-free gums: Chewing gum with xylitol, which is a natural substitute for sugar are recommended to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol has properties that fight with cavities. Xylitol prevents bacteria that cause tooth decay as these bacteria cannot use xylitol for their growth to produce acids. One can chew xylitol gums 3-5 times a day.
One of the main causes of tooth decay is food. It is essential to watch what one eats to prevent tooth decay. Certain foods that must avoid for healthy teeth are:
Sugar containing foods: Literally, sugar is teeth’s enemy. Foods containing sugar promotes the growth of bacteria on the teeth, which results in acid formation. The acid can lead to tooth decay. One should try to brush his/her after consuming sugary food. Some of the sugar-containing foods that one must avoid are packed juices, jams, pastries, candies, milk chocolates, cookies, cakes, puddings, and syrups.
Do not chew ice: Ice is not a sugar substance; it is just solidified water then also it hurts teeth. The reason behind this that any hard substance may harm teeth and enamel can get damaged. Therefore, one must avoid chewing ice.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are highly acidic in nature, which can cause the tooth enamel to erode, making the tooth more vulnerable to decay. The few citrus fruits to avoid are the lemon, grape fruit, tangerine, pomelo, and key lime.
Coffee and tea: Caffeinated tea and coffee tend to dry one’s mouth, which leads to increase in the number of bacteria, as saliva is decreased to wash them out. Drinking plenty of water can minimize the effect of tea and coffee. Tea and coffee also lead to the staining of the teeth.
Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can also lead to the dryness of the mouth that means less saliva is formed. Because of which bacteria do not wash away. Hence, alcohol consumption promotes the decaying of the teeth. Some of the alcoholic beverages are beer, wine, whiskey, and rum.
Symptoms of a tooth decay increase with time. Tooth decay can lead to:
It is important to maintain a good oral health, but today’s lifestyle makes it difficult to achieve healthy teeth and gums. Here are some important tips that one must follow to prevent tooth decay:
Foods play an essential role in the prevention of tooth decay. Some foods that are beneficial and essential for tooth health are:
Calcium rich foods: Calcium is the main element to avoid the decaying of the tooth, especially for children. One must consider consuming dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. These food items are high in fat and if one is aiming for low-fat foods for preventing tooth decay than low-fat yoghurt and cheese, and skimmed milk are equally beneficial.
Whole grain foods: Whole grain food provides iron and vitamin B that promote the healthy gums. Also, whole grain foods have magnesium as an ingredient, which plays vital a role in teeth and bone health. Adding to the benefits whole grain foods are high in fibre content. The few whole grain foods one can consume to prevent tooth decay are brown rice, pasta, bran and while-grain cereal.
High fibre Foods: Consuming high-fibre foods keep the saliva flowing that helps to create a defence against the tooth decay. Some great sources of fibre are fresh fruits such as orange, apples and bananas, and dry fruits like raisins, figs, and dates. Also, some vegetables can be included in the list like Brussels sprouts, peas, and beans. Nuts like almond and peanuts are also good options.
Chewing sugar-free gums: Chewing gum with xylitol, which is a natural substitute for sugar are recommended to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol has properties that fight with cavities. Xylitol prevents bacteria that cause tooth decay as these bacteria cannot use xylitol for their growth to produce acids. One can chew xylitol gums 3-5 times a day.
One of the main causes of tooth decay is food. It is essential to watch what one eats to prevent tooth decay. Certain foods that must avoid for healthy teeth are:
Sugar containing foods: Literally, sugar is teeth’s enemy. Foods containing sugar promotes the growth of bacteria on the teeth, which results in acid formation. The acid can lead to tooth decay. One should try to brush his/her after consuming sugary food. Some of the sugar-containing foods that one must avoid are packed juices, jams, pastries, candies, milk chocolates, cookies, cakes, puddings, and syrups.
Do not chew ice: Ice is not a sugar substance; it is just solidified water then also it hurts teeth. The reason behind this that any hard substance may harm teeth and enamel can get damaged. Therefore, one must avoid chewing ice.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are highly acidic in nature, which can cause the tooth enamel to erode, making the tooth more vulnerable to decay. The few citrus fruits to avoid are the lemon, grape fruit, tangerine, pomelo, and key lime.
Coffee and tea: Caffeinated tea and coffee tend to dry one’s mouth, which leads to increase in the number of bacteria, as saliva is decreased to wash them out. Drinking plenty of water can minimize the effect of tea and coffee. Tea and coffee also lead to the staining of the teeth.
Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can also lead to the dryness of the mouth that means less saliva is formed. Because of which bacteria do not wash away. Hence, alcohol consumption promotes the decaying of the teeth. Some of the alcoholic beverages are beer, wine, whiskey, and rum.