How to keep your teeth clean

By,
nairobi vibes

The main conditions that affect dental
hard tissues (teeth and jaw bones)
include dental caries (tooth decay),
non-carious tooth wear, trauma and
developmental defects.
Dental caries are by far the most
prevalent, although they can be
largely prevented by adhering to
good oral hygiene and a tooth-
friendly diet.
This article discusses what dental
caries are, how they are formed, their
causes and, most importantly, how to
prevent them.

What are dental cavities?

Dental caries/cavities, also referred to
as holes in the teeth, is a disease of
the calcified tissues of teeth
characterised by loss of the
mineralized part of the tooth,
followed by the disintegration of the
organic part.

How do cavities form?

Tooth decay is a process that requires
three things: a susceptible tooth,
refined carbohydrates such as
sucrose, and time.
Decay occurs when the bacteria
normally found inside the mouth use the
refined carbohydrates commonly
found in foods such as biscuits,
sweets, and sugary drinks to grow.
This combination of food particles and
bacteria is referred to as dental
plaque.e(comination)
Dental plaque is easily removed by
meticulous tooth brushing that is brushing evryday
However, plaque tends to stick to
certain areas of the teeth like the
fissures on the biting surfaces of the
back teeth, in between teeth and next
to the gum line, and also along the
margins of poorly done or failed
fillings, and crowded or mal-aligned
teeth.
If left in these areas, it hardens and
forms calculus, which
cannot be removed by brushing.although,you can treat The
bacteria within the plaque produce an
acidic by-product as they grow, and it
is this acid that dissolves or
demineralises the teeth.
Tooth decay can take place without
any obvious symptoms, especially in
the early stages, but as the decay gets
deeper into the tooth, sensitivity, mild
pain and eventually, severe pain, may
be felt.  At some point
The tooth has three distinct layers. enamel; the
middle, known as dentine; and the
innermost, known as the pulp.
Typically, the symptoms of caries are
not felt until decay reaches the
dentine or is within the pulp.
Symptoms of dental caries
Visible pits or holes
Tooth sensitivity
Pain while chewing
Pain while drinking something
hot, cold or sweet
Spontaneous pain
Broken down or fractured tooth
Pus around the tooth, particularly
around the gums, in cases of long-
standing cavities
Causes of tooth cavities
Certain foods and drinks stick to the
teeth for longer periods and are not
easily washed away by saliva, for
example candy, cakes, and soda.
These are known as a cariogenic diet,
meaning they promote dental caries.
Frequent sipping and snacking on
these cariogenic foods gives bacteria
in the mouth more substances to
make acids which in turn dissolve or
demineralise teeth.
Failure to clean teeth immediately
after eating or drinking increases the
chances of plaque formation and the
resultant decay.
Bottle feeding infants on sugar-
containing liquids such as milk or
juice before bedtime makes these
beverages remain on their teeth for
long while they sleep, thus providing
ample time for bacteria that cause
decay, resulting in baby bottle-
feeding decay.
Inadequate supply of the mineral
fluoride, which helps prevent cavities.
Fluoride is added to public water
supply and tooth care products.
However, it is advisable to use them
in moderation since too much fluoride
can also be harmful to your teeth.
Risk factors associated with dental
decay
Dry mouth: Saliva is critical in
minimising the development of caries
as follows:
Clearing sugar: Saliva is
responsible for clearing sugar
from the mouth; the higher the
flow of saliva, the faster the sugar
is cleared.
Clearing acid: Saliva is responsible
for clearing acid from dental
plaque, which also depends
primarily on the flow of saliva.
Urea: Saliva is a source of urea,
which neutralises the acid that is
formed in the mouth.
Remineralisation: Saliva contains
high levels of minerals, which
allows for some of these to be
deposited on the teeth, especially
those with early dental caries.
It is, therefore, important to
ensure continuous flow of saliva.
This can be stimulated by chewing
sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard
candy.
Tooth location: the teeth at the back
of the mouth (premolars and molars)
tend to be more susceptible to tooth
caries.
These teeth have many pits and
fissures, which make them great for
grinding food, but they are also
perfect locations for remnants of food
particles. Since they are not as easily
accessible as the front teeth when
brushing, plaque can easily form and
bacteria thrive on them, resulting in
acid production, demineralisation and
eventually, tooth decay.
Age: cavities are more common in
young children and adolescents.
However, older adults are also at risk
because, over time, teeth wear out
and gums recede, exposing the teeth
to root decay.
Eating disorders: Conditions such as
bulimia and anorexia can cause tooth
demineralisation due to repeated
vomiting.
Vomit contains acids which dissolve
the teeth. In addition, these
conditions interfere with the
production of saliva. However, do not,
expect to see actual cavities in these
cases, since these conditions wear
teeth out without the formation of
cavities (non-carious tooth wear).
Poor dental treatment: If fillings or
crowns are poorly done, they can
grow weak, develop rough edges or
break, thereby allowing plaque
formation and the development of
cavities.
Where fillings or other dental devices
don’t fit well, they also allow decay to
start beneath them.
Prevention of dental caries
It is important to maintain good oral
hygiene to keep your teeth clear of
plaque and reduce the intake of the
cariogenic (caries-forming) diet.
Ensure you brush your teeth at least
twice a day, particularly after meals.
Use fluoride-containing toothpaste but
if you cannot brush, at least rinse
your mouth with water or a mouth
rinse containing fluoride.
Floss or use interdental cleaner to
clean between the teeth.
Visit a dentist every six months or at
least once a year for a check-up.
Dental x-rays may be taken every
year to identify early cavities,
especially in the hard-to-reach areas
of the mouth.
Eat tooth-healthy foods such as fresh
fruits and vegetables that boost the
flow of saliva, which helps wash away
food particles. Avoid foods that tend
to stick to teeth like toffee and
chewing gum which can easily stick to
your teeth and accelerate plaque
formation.
Avoid frequent sipping and snacking
on sugary drinks and food because
they can help bacteria in the mouth
produce acids, which accelerate
decay.
Drink treated tap water, which is a
good source of fluoride. You might
also consider fluoride treatment if
you are not getting enough fluoride in
water. This should be prescribed by a
dentist.
A fissure sealant (protective coating
in pits and fissures found on the
chewing surfaces of molars and
premolars) can be placed on
vulnerable teeth that are newly
erupted to protect them from getting
caries.
Your dentist can suggest a special
antibacterial mouthwash or other
treatment to help cut down on
harmful mouth bacteria if you are
vulnerable to tooth decay.
Stimulate saliva production by
chewing sugar-free gum. Frequent
sips of water also helps keep the
mouth/teeth free of food particles.
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