Tooth Decay Causes: Shocking, However True

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While most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist. But they know that if they don’t take care of their teeth and don’t go to the dentist regularly, their teeth will just get worse and worse to the point they will need extensive dental work. Whether you enjoy going to the dentist or you don’t, you should always remember about tooth decay causes and make time to maintain the health of your gums and teeth.

What are the Major Tooth Decay Causes?

The two major tooth decay causes are high sugar and starch intake and bacteria in your mouth if you are not keeping your mouth maintained properly. When you don’t take care of the cleanliness of your mouth, the regular bacteria that is already there — and unavoidable — combines with your saliva and any pieces of food that are caught in the crevices of the teeth. This substance is invisible to the eye, but it’s sticky and is called plaque. After a couple of days, it gets hard and becomes tartar.

Cavities develop in your mouth when the tartar and plaque join forces and the sugar turns into acid. The acid is what will eventually wear away at the surface of the teeth until it creates a hole.

What Medications Can Cause Teeth to Decay?

About 70 percent of the people in this country take prescription medication. Besides the medications listed below, just about any prescription can leave you with a dry mouth. This condition can cause infections because it irritates most of the soft tissues that are in your mouth. When your mouth is constantly lubricated with saliva, it is less at risk for tooth decay.

Here are the five most popular types of medications that could be causing your teeth to decay.

1. Medications for pain.Prescription pain medications can leave you with dry mouth as well as periodontal disease and tooth loss. They can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, and if you use aspirin, it can cause your gums to bleed.
2. Antacids.While antacids can cut down on the acid in your mouth, these meds can also weaken your teeth and contribute to tooth decay. Also, watch out for chewable antacids because they get stuck between your teeth and cause cavities.
3. Prescriptions for blood pressure. All of the medications used to treat blood pressure leave users with a dry mouth. They may also cause gums to swell up, and it becomes more difficult to brush them properly. In addition, they could be the cause for a build-up in plaque.
4. Decongestants and antihistamines. Because these types of medications reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth, they are responsible for the erosion of teeth, cavities, and discoloration of the teeth.
5. Antidepressants. Many types of antidepressants have been found to be among rampant tooth decay causes as they affect the health of the bones in your mouth. Other side effects include yeast infections in the mouth, gum disease, implant failure, and bad breath.
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If you find yourself with dry mouth because of your medications, make sure you increase the amount of water you consume to around eight to ten glasses each day. Brush your teeth regularly and try using a moisturizing spray that’s especially created to combat dry mouth.
RELATED: 3 Most Simple Ways How To Prevent And Reverse Cavities Naturally

Symptoms of Tooth Decay.

One of the bad things about tooth decay is that there may be no signs at all until it is too late, and the tooth is already too far beyond repair. A tooth that is going bad could become sensitive to cold, or it could become discolored. Once the destruction of the tooth approaches the nerve, it becomes painful. You may have a bad taste in your mouth from the decayed tooth, or your entire breath may be bad. Because the signs can be hidden it’s important for you to see your dentist for a regular checkup every year and a cleaning twice a year.

Who is More at Risk for Having Tooth Decay?
1. Older people, especially senior citizens.
2. Cancer patients going through regular radiation treatments.
3. Diabetics.
4. People who smoke or chew tobacco.
5. Anyone who eats a large amount of sugar or drinks a lot of soda.
6. Those who abuse drugs and/or alcohol.
7. People in the low-income bracket.
8. Those requiring medication that reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay?
1. 1. Oil pulling. This is an oil using technique which is far above just ensuring healthier teeth for you. Here, at Naturalon, you can get to know the benefits of oil pulling and watch the video about how to oil pull for teeth whitening and health.
  2. Maintain good oral hygiene. A good oral hygiene program consists of brushing your teeth two times each day, every single day. You should have your teeth cleaned by your dental hygienist at least every six months with a deep cleaning as needed. You should have a regular oral exam by the dentist every year as well, and have a new set of X-rays taken at that time. Make sure you floss every day to get as much excess foods from between your teeth and remove as much plaque as you can.
  3. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants. This type of procedure can help protect the teeth from dangerous foods and liquids that cause decay.
  4. Cut down on sugar, sweets, and sodas. If you have a hard time giving up sweets, the least you can do is to brush after eating or drinking anything sweet.
  5. Ask your dentist about topical fluoride treatments. This is a controversial subject, so speak with your dentist about the pros and cons before you decide to get a topical treatment.
Look after your teeth, remember about the tooth decay causes, and prevent cavities by oral hygiene and regular check-ups!

References:

www.mouthhealthy.org

www.healthychildren.org

www.wda.org