In the present times we have developed a tendency to take our teeth for granted. Most of us seem to believe that whatever we do or however we abuse our teeth, nothing would happen. These same beliefs are passed on to our children. These beliefs were fine in the olden days when there were no chocolates, no sticky foods, and no pressure cookers. The type of food people ate were mostly coarse in nature and raw. To enjoy the modern treats that tickle your tongue, you have to learn to maintain and protect our teeth by modern methods.
One of the most common problems with teeth is the development of cavities. Tooth decay or cavities were considered disease of children, but today we find many adults also getting them frequently. The outermost white covering of a tooth is Enamel, this white cover is hard and can withstand years of wear and tear. But it can not withstand acids. When foods that are rich in carbohydrates and starch remain on teeth, they are acted upon by bacteria present in the saliva, leading to the production of acids and formation of cavities.
Most people get cavities, go to the dentist, get them filled, again get a cavity, get it filled. Unless you deal with "why cavity is forming in my mouth?," you will not get rid of this problem. It is the responsibility of your dentist to ascertain the cause of cavity formation and counsel the patient accordingly so that patient will not get cavities in the future, merely "filling the cavity" is not the right approach, in fact it is most unscientific.
Use of fluorides has been certified world wide as being effective against cavities. In America most cities have fluoridated drinking water.
Most cavities start from the chewing surfaces, though in older individuals cavities form at the tooth contact points also. Chewing surfaces of teeth contain minute grooves or fissures. These fissures act as the storehouse for food accumulation and acid formation. It is easily preventable by placing "Fissure Sealants". Ask your dentist to place fissure sealant in your child’s molar teeth and they will be protected for a very long time from any cavities. Prevention is your best bet. And of course in an earlier article we have already discussed the importance and timings of tooth brushing. You must keep in mind that neglect and delay in dental treatment lead to more pain and high cost.
Eating habits can play havoc with your teeth. If your have a tendency to get more cavities, avoid in between the meal, snacks and sweets. If your child loves sweets and chocolates very much, give him just before his meals. This has two benefits- one, the sweets are washed off by eating food-avoiding cavities and secondly, your child eats well. Giving chocolates at odd times gives high calories to the child and kills his appetite. So next time you hold out a chocolate to your friend’s or your own child-think, what it can do to harm him.
So keep these facts in mind and you
will lead a happy life free of cavities.
Courtesy of healthmantra.com
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