A large number of people are affected by tooth decay despite advances made by different organizations to raise awareness of good oral health. Most of the time, when the patient visits the dentist, it always too late, and the decayed tooth is always extracted. A dentist West Bloomfield MI gave some piece of information on the cause and prevention of teeth decay.

Tooth decay is a process that leads to mineral loss in the tooth from daily attacks from the acid that result from the food that we take. You can prevent this by working together with your dental physician over time. Eating the right food at the right time and cutting on the junk, sugary food can lower the risk of developing this decay. The risk is also brought down by brushing the teeth using fluoride toothpaste.

When bacteria in the mouth act on the food that is left after eating, it forms acid as the waste product. The body counter attacks the decay by use of saliva. It rinses the teeth and replaces the lost phosphorus and calcium minerals. This is referred to as remineralization. The process happens always when you take food. If the saliva is not able to fend off all these attacks, teeth decay occurs.

If you take snacks and other sweetened beverages on prolonged periods between heavy meals, you could be at risk of contracting teeth decay. Such snacks include caramels, raisings, candy, and cola. Tooth decay can also affect children who spend long period with the baby bottle full of sweetened juices. These foods should be taken with moderation or teeth cleaned promptly after taking the food.

The plague bacteria in your mouth are also major culprits in formation of teeth decay. The common bacteria called streptococci are the most prevalent in many acid attacks in the mouth. To get rid of plague, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You may also visit your doctor to have a sample of your saliva tested for bacteria levels in your mouth.

Ones general body health also contributes largely, on teeth decay formation in your mouth. The shape of the tooth, the amount and composition of saliva, dental treatments done in the past, and oral hygiene are important in keeping tooth decay at bay. However, one may suffer from a medical condition that may change the PH balance in your mouth, amount of saliva and make one vulnerable to attacks on the teeth surfaces.

Sealants may be of help to cover the deep crevices found in molar and premolar teeth. These are the prime locations for contracting teeth decay. Sealants are plastic materials painted on teeth surface and then dry to form a plastic cover. It is effective against formation of acids on the surface and inhabitation of plague.

You may also use fluorine to ward off tooth decay. It can be added to toothpaste, drinking water, and mouthwash to deal with acid attacks. However, if it is overused especially in water it could cause the teeth to turn brown.