Facts about tooth decay from our dentist at Family Dental Care

It is spoken about constantly by dental teams concerning prevention and treatment, but when it comes down to it there are still a few facts about tooth decay that remain unknown to patients.

At our surgery, our dentist in Doncaster East and the rest of our team at the Family Dental Centre believe that education is the key to preventing dental issues. We can help you and your family to maintain better oral health by providing tips and guides on how to keep your teeth at their hygienic best. 

So, what are some of the lesser-known facts about tooth decay? Here, our dentist in Doncaster East provides a list.

It is incredibly common!

As you walk to our dental surgery for a check-up with our dentist in Doncaster East, you may be worried that you will be the only patient that we may see that day with cavities.

However, tooth decay is incredibly common and is the second most prevalent condition worldwide.

So, if you have a cavity or are worried about needing a filling, don’t be. We fit them every day and will provide you with tips on how to prevent this irritating condition.

It is very preventable!

There are many ways that we, as a dental team, can prevent tooth decay.

For instance, if you attend check-ups with our team every 6 months, then we will be able to apply fluoride sealants, while also removing plaque and tartar. This should not only help prevent tooth decay, but will also go a long way towards preventing gum disease and keeping your smile looking whiter.

Diet plays a part

As you know, highly acidic foods and sugars can impact drastically whether you develop decay or not.

But what you may not know is that other foods, such as pasta, potato and other carbohydrates may also accelerate the chances of you developing tooth decay. If you have a high sugar diet, then it may be worth eating foods that stimulate your saliva production, such as frozen fruits or cranberry juice.

For more dietary advice to prevent tooth decay, talk to our team.

There are genetic factors

OK, so this may sound odd, but some genetic components play into developing tooth decay.

Firstly, the thickness of enamel has a genetic component and so, if your parents or older siblings have a history of having weaker enamel, then you are at a higher risk of developing decay and will need to attend dental check-ups more regularly. Also, as oral hygiene tends to run in families, both helpful and unhelpful habits relating to keeping your teeth healthy may be learned.

Some teeth are more disposed to it

If you have ever had a filling, it was probably performed on a molar tooth.

Why are they so prone to decay? Because, in simple terms, they aren’t flat. With incisors and front teeth, there are no crevices for bacteria to hide in and, due to ineffective brushing techniques, it can be harder to brush the entire area of a molar tooth. Hence why they are more prone to decay than other teeth.

If you have concerns about decay on your molars, talk to our team and we may be able to apply sealants to lessen the crevices present in these teeth.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.