Whether you call it tooth decay, cavities, or dental caries, the destruction of tooth enamel can cause serious damage to the long-term health of your teeth and gums. When failing to quickly address tooth decay the condition only continues to get worse, and can eventually lead to the development of gum disease and tooth loss.
Cavities develop when simple sugars linger on your teeth, which allows destructive bacteria that grows in the mouth to produce substances that erode tooth enamel over time. Despite popular misconceptions, tooth decay and cavities doesn’t just occur in kids. The older people become, the more susceptible their teeth are to the effects of tooth decay because of naturally receding gums. This is especially true for adults over the age of 50, an age group that has seen a rise in the number of cavities over the last 20 years.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Fortunately preventing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease is rather simple, according to the American Dental Association, for adults and children by following these four simple steps:
Diet and Tooth Decay
While food high in simple sugars can contribute to the development of tooth decay, a handful of foods have also been found to make a positive impact on the health of your teeth.
Apples. An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away, especially if that doctor’s a dentist. Biting into a crisp apple aids saliva with cleaning your teeth, and studies have shown that the flavonoids apples contain also help to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Cheese. Munching on a bit of cheese can improve your oral health by preventing demineralization of tooth enamel. Cheese also contains protein that naturally counters acts the harmful substances released by bacteria in the mouth that damages tooth enamel. For those concerned about what too much cheese can do to the waistline, you don’t have to overindulge to benefit your teeth, as just five grams of cheese a day is all you need.
Cocoa. Cocoa, coffee, and tea all contain polyphenols, a nutrient unique to plants that can help stop the development of tooth decay by fighting the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Unfortunately the high levels of sugar found in chocolate offset this natural benefit of cocoa, but you can still enjoy the advantages offered by the nutrient by drinking plenty of tea and coffee. Just avoid adding too much sugar and honey, and make sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist to prevent tooth staining from drinking coffee and tea.
Cranberries. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and most other types of berries contain flavonoids, an organic compound that helps to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Cranberries are especially helpful as studies have shown that eating the berry decreases the growth of bacteria found in saliva that contributes to the development of cavities.
About The Author
John Nickelbottom is a freelance health writer.
Cavities develop when simple sugars linger on your teeth, which allows destructive bacteria that grows in the mouth to produce substances that erode tooth enamel over time. Despite popular misconceptions, tooth decay and cavities doesn’t just occur in kids. The older people become, the more susceptible their teeth are to the effects of tooth decay because of naturally receding gums. This is especially true for adults over the age of 50, an age group that has seen a rise in the number of cavities over the last 20 years.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Fortunately preventing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease is rather simple, according to the American Dental Association, for adults and children by following these four simple steps:
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Floss at least once a day
- Scheduling regular visits with a dentist for routine checkups and cleanings
- Limit snacking and eating a balanced diet
Diet and Tooth Decay
While food high in simple sugars can contribute to the development of tooth decay, a handful of foods have also been found to make a positive impact on the health of your teeth.
Apples. An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away, especially if that doctor’s a dentist. Biting into a crisp apple aids saliva with cleaning your teeth, and studies have shown that the flavonoids apples contain also help to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Cheese. Munching on a bit of cheese can improve your oral health by preventing demineralization of tooth enamel. Cheese also contains protein that naturally counters acts the harmful substances released by bacteria in the mouth that damages tooth enamel. For those concerned about what too much cheese can do to the waistline, you don’t have to overindulge to benefit your teeth, as just five grams of cheese a day is all you need.
Cocoa. Cocoa, coffee, and tea all contain polyphenols, a nutrient unique to plants that can help stop the development of tooth decay by fighting the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Unfortunately the high levels of sugar found in chocolate offset this natural benefit of cocoa, but you can still enjoy the advantages offered by the nutrient by drinking plenty of tea and coffee. Just avoid adding too much sugar and honey, and make sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist to prevent tooth staining from drinking coffee and tea.
Cranberries. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and most other types of berries contain flavonoids, an organic compound that helps to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Cranberries are especially helpful as studies have shown that eating the berry decreases the growth of bacteria found in saliva that contributes to the development of cavities.
About The Author
John Nickelbottom is a freelance health writer.
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