Tooth decay happens when bacteria found in your mouth creates different types of acids that essentially eat away at your teeth.
Plaque (the sticky, yellow stuff you get on your teeth when you don’t brush) provides an excellent source of food for these kinds of bacteria. As bacteria feed on your teeth, they create acid which destroys your teeth over time. This destruction of your teeth due to acid attacks is called tooth decay.
Appearance of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can appear as white spots, brown spots or black spots. It can also form in between teeth and on roots which is why xrays are recommended yearly at your dental visits. Undetected cavities can lead to tooth infection. How To Prevent Tooth Decay: Although these methods may seem ‘cliché, ’ the are proven most effective for preventing tooth decay. Sometimes factors such as weak enamel and low saliva production can still increase risks of tooth decay regardless of precautions listed below.
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing at least 1x/day
- Using a non-alcohol mouth rinse twice a day
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Visiting your dentist at least every 6 months
- Fluoridated toothpastes and rinses
