Delay the Inevitable: Ways to Protect Your Tooth Enamel from Bacteria and Acids

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is expected among individuals who have poor oral hygiene. The risk of having tooth decay is prevented if you practice oral health care regimen like tooth brushing twice a day, flossing and regular dental check up. Another proven effective way to avoid this kind of disorder is by having moderate exposure to fluoride and moderate consumption of cariogenic dishes. Tooth erosion happens as people get older. It is due to frequent exposure to acid that reduces tooth enamel, which is the protective covering of the teeth. Loss of enamel eventually leads to tooth wear as well as teeth grinding. These disorders can lead to chronic conditions and may affect your overall state of health. Aside from affecting your physical health, it can also affect your psychological health as poor oral hygiene can lower your self-confidence. Without a doubt, being diagnosed with certain oral diseases are both social and financial burdens.

Tooth decay occurs when there is bacterial infection. Bacteria types like Lactobacilli and Streptococci are transmissible species through direct physical contact. These bacteria are the number one suspects for causing tooth decay as they produce acids unhealthy to the teeth. They ferment carbohydrates like sugars from food and drink to form acids that dissolve minerals from the teeth like phosphate and calcium. Thus, it weakens the teeth and allows bacteria to grow there until infection occurs. However, keep in mind that tooth decay is inevitable and saliva is a great help in clearing food residues from the mouth and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria. Saliva is also a good support in providing more minerals to your tooth, or the process called re-mineralization. This is why it is important for individuals who take medications that are reducing saliva flow to consult their dentists about alternative ways to keep their saliva flow balanced and normal.

If you live in Illinois, consult Springfield IL dentists as they are known for providing advanced dental care services. A skilled dentist can educate you about your susceptibility to tooth decay as it varies depending on the teeth of an individual. Other factors that can make you susceptible to dental caries include quality and quantity of saliva, structure of the teeth and shape of jaw. Some people possess teeth that have fissures, allowing acids and bacteria to penetrate the tooth easily.

Springfield dental offices have a team of highly experienced dentists who will help you design solutions appropriate for your oral health. They can also give you tips on how to brush your teeth properly and will educate you on the role of fluoride tooth paste in promoting re-mineralization of the tooth. Fluoride strengthens and hardens your tooth enamel that can make acid soluble instead of dissolving your tooth. This also means that putting the proper amount of fluoride can make a difference as it helps control the occurrence of dental caries. Aside from tooth paste, you can find fluoride in specially made beverages as supplement for your dental health regimen.

Top Reasons Why You Should not Leave your Dental Problems Untreated

According to scientific studies, people who are diagnosed with chronic dental disorder have higher chances of developing other health problems. Untreated dental problem may lead to various diseases such as endocarditis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes, HIV/AIDS or Alzheimer’s disease. It is because the immune system weakens as bacterial infections in the mouth progress and left undiagnosed. Endocarditis happens due to infection of the heart’s inner lining. It occurs when harmful bacteria from another part of the body like the mouth circulate through the bloodstream. These bacteria are attached to the damaged areas in the heart that can lead to endocarditis or other heart disease.

Diabetes is also likely to happen if you have gum disease as it weakens your body’s resistance to infections. Periodontists found out that people with diabetes have higher chances of having gum disease. It could become more frequent to diabetic individuals as research showed that such people have a difficult time controlling their blood sugar levels. Another complication is Alzheimer’s disease, to which people who experience tooth less below age 35 are likely to develop the said disease. Due to these potential links and risks, it is advisable for you to inform your dentist about any medications you take or any strange feeling you observe regarding your oral health. Taking medications like antihistamines and decongestants can reduce your saliva flow, which is bad for your oral health. It can only promote the growth of harmful and harmless bacteria in your mouth as you don’t have enough saliva to wash them away. Excessive bacterial growth in the mouth can lead to infections. Once there is an infection, be sure to visit your dentist for early prevention.

Residents of Illinois are fortunate to have a top notch dentist in Springfield.  You can immediately visit any accredited dental office in your area to schedule an appointment and find solutions to your problem. Dentists will likely advise you to religiously follow the basic dental health regimen. Start with the basic procedures like brushing your teeth twice a day, floss daily and eat healthy meals can make a big difference. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three months or once the bristles are frayed to clean your teeth effectively. In some cases, people tend to overlook the importance of brushing their teeth properly. So, keep in mind to develop better brushing techniques to completely clean your teeth.

An experienced Springfield dentist will share to you the right ways to brush your teeth and gums every day. You should take time when brushing your teeth while using the proper equipment like a combination of fluoride toothpaste and a tooth brush with soft bristles. You may also consider using an electric toothbrush since it can effectively reduce plaque and gum disease. Electric tooth brushes are recommended for individuals who suffer from arthritis or other disorder that impedes them to do normal movement. To make tooth brushing exciting, start practicing techniques like holding your tooth brush at a little angle. You should aim at the area where your tooth meets your gum and then gently brush it.