Tooth Decay – Dental Health

The first thing that you need to know about tooth
decay is that you need not let it happen to you! Tooth decay can be
prevented to a very great degree if a person just understands and practices
a very few basic concepts of preventative dental
health.

Tooth decay is caused by acids, acids that are created
by certain types of bacteria that live in our mouths. To go back a bit
further, tooth decay can actually be thought of as being caused by sugar,
but maybe not in the way that you would think! You see, bacteria, which
are living organisms just like you and me, live in our mouths and just
wait for us to consume something containing sugar, their favorite food.
After these bacteria eat the sugar they, just like us, excrete their
waste products, and that is what causes the acid which, in turn, causes
tooth decay. You see, to put it bluntly, tooth decay is caused by bacteria
poop. (Makes you think twice about eating that candy bar doesn’t it?)

Many foods contain sugar including soda, candy,
milk, and even fruits and vegetables or the juices made from them. To
avoid tooth decay you would need to either eliminate sugar all together
or maybe set up a port-o-potty for your bacteria somewhere inconspicuous
in your mouth. All kidding aside, the idea is to have these acids in
your mouth and on your teeth for as short a time as possible. So, regular
brushing is a must, especially after consuming any foods containing
sugar!