For better teeth, quit snacking and smoking
If you consume excessive amounts of sweet, starchy and acidic foods and beverages, or snack frequently between meals and practise poor oral hygiene, you are at risk of developing tooth decay. This can cause dental cavities which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
Your risk of tooth decay also increases if you have diabetes, smoke, don’t use fluoride toothpaste, wear dentures/braces and have a dry mouth because of medical conditions or medications that affect the flow of saliva.
“Dental plaque refers to a sticky film of bacteria which constantly forms on the surface of the teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or acids, the bacteria in the plaque produce acids which cause destruction of the teeth, forming tooth decay,” says Dr Nur Atiqah Binte Ismail, Dental Surgeon, SingHealth Polyclinics.
Good oral hygiene deprives the bacteria of its food supply and prevents the destruction of teeth, explains Dr Atiqah.
Symptoms of tooth decay
Early tooth decay may appear as white spots or lesions on the surface of the tooth. If left untreated, the affected tooth can develop a cavity, and you may have symptoms such as:
Black/brown discoloration
Visible pits or holes
Sensitivity when consuming sweet/hot/cold food and drinks
Pain when biting
Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
“Many people are not aware that they have tooth decay until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Hence, it is important to go for regular dental checkups and cleaning to detect tooth decay early,” says Dr Atiqah.
How is tooth decay treated?
Your dentist will treat early tooth decay with repeated applications of topical fluoride, which hardens the tooth enamel and prevents the formation of a cavity.
If you have a cavity, your dentist will give you a filling, and in cases where the decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, you are likely to need root canal treatment.
Tips for preventing tooth decay
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or inter-dental cleaners.
Consume fewer sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and eat balanced and nutritious meals.
Limit snacking between meals.
“When you snack frequently between meals, the bacteria in the mouth has a constant supply of food to produce acid,” says Dr Atiqah.
Visit your dentist regularly for an oral examination and professional cleaning.
Related stories:
