Facts about Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is not normal, so why do so many people suffer from this damaging and costly disease ? The answer lies in the old saying "You are what you eat" ( and drink ! )

To form a cavity in a tooth you need 3 factors working against you.

1. Plaque - Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky white coating on teeth every day. It forms mainly between the teeth, around the gums and in the grooves in the chewing surfaces.

2 Sucrose or cane sugar - Bacteria in plaque feed on sucrose in your food and drink and multiply within 30 minutes. The bacteria release acids as a waste product onto tooth. The acids dissolve the calcium out of the enamel.

3 Susceptible tooth - Enamel is dissolved by acid. Thats why your saliva is alkaline. Your saliva neutralises acids to help protect your teeth. But if your diet is very acid and you have lots of plaque, gradually a cavity will form. Once a hole forms through the enamel, the tooth inside decays easily. A decayed tooth only hurts when the bacteria have begun to affect the nerve. So careful diagnosis should be made early.

To prevent tooth decay  BRUSH after meals to remove plaque and food, REDUCE SUGAR ( sucrose ) in your diet especially between meal snacks, BUILD STRONG TEETH with a nutritious calcium rich diet during pregnancy and childhood, and REGULAR MAINTENANCE at the Dentist. Polishing, fluoride or calcium paste application and protective sealants in the grooves all work to prevent decay.

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