Tooth decay
We know almost everything about tooth decay. We know what causes it, we know how to fight it, and finally, we know how to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid too frequent visits to the dentist. So why on earth are there so many dental problems, when our last visit to the dental clinic, a few months ago, was supposed to be the "last" one and everything was already fine with our teeth…
Silent enemy
Tooth decay is such an insidious, silent enemy that only waits for us to forget, even for a moment, about our basic duties related to maintaining proper oral hygiene. Bacteria are to blame for everything, and their main food source is carbohydrates, i.e., sugars contained in the food we eat. If not properly removed, they very quickly form so-called plaque, which leads to the formation of tooth decay. As it turns out, tooth decay occurs most frequently in developed countries, due to higher consumption of simple sugar, and less frequently in developing countries. Worldwide, approximately 3.6 billion people (48% of the population) have tooth decay in their permanent teeth. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly all adults experience tooth decay at some point. In the case of baby teeth, it affects about 620 million people, or 9% of the population. And it is precisely among the youngest that tooth decay can take the form of extreme and rapid tooth destruction.
Baby bottle tooth decay
Baby bottle tooth decay affects the youngest children who drink from a bottle with a teat, often right before falling asleep. Food residues left all night, e.g., in the form of formula milk, are ideal material for bacterial growth. Baby bottle tooth decay progresses extremely fast and can quickly destroy the upper incisors and attack other teeth. Then, unfortunately, surgical removal of the baby teeth is very often necessary, which in many cases implies the subsequent need to monitor the growth of permanent teeth under constant orthodontic care.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria developing in the mouth
Caries in Latin means "rot". Suffice to say. Caries is bacteria developing in the mouth, which, when given good conditions for growth by ourselves (oh the horror!), multiply in an uncontrolled manner and freely attack the tooth enamel. What to do so that caries does not accompany us throughout our lives? There is no silver bullet, but there are rules, the application of which can minimize the possibility of this problem. Hygiene, hygiene and once again hygiene. From an early age, we are taught rules, the adherence to which will certainly yield measurable results.
Here they are:
We brush and rinse our teeth after every meal (at least 2-3 times a day)
We remove food debris using an appropriate toothbrush, dental floss, and special mouthwashes for oral hygiene
At least once a year, we undergo comprehensive professional oral hygiene in a dental clinic
We have a check-up appointment at the dental office once every six months
We avoid products with a high sugar content – a proper diet means a lot!
We avoid drinks and food containing sugar for at least an hour before bedtime
We choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste
We monitor the condition of our teeth, not just when it already starts to hurt
It's worth remembering!
It is worth remembering that untreated tooth decay develops very quickly. Symptoms can include pain and difficulty eating. Untreated caries ruthlessly attacks all elements of the tooth. It leads directly to gangrene, abscess, necrosis of pulp tissues, can attack the root and lead to complete tooth death.
