Tooth decay is a degenerative oral disease and is caused by microorganisms. These microorganisms metabolize sugar and carbohydrates, forming acids that demineralize and attack the enamel. This acid causes cavities to appear at first, which, if left untreated, penetrates deeper into the tooth and destroys the tooth until it reaches the nerve. Routine Dental Services in Trumbull CT can prevent all this from happening or worsening.
The process
The decay-causing bacteria can be hereditary, which means the bacteria can have time to multiply before the child’s primary (or milk) teeth come in. Together with leftover food and saliva, they form a biofilm, also called plaque, which is sturdy and sticky and adheres particularly well to the tooth surface. Bacteria need carbohydrates to survive, especially sugar, as it is particularly easily fermented and can be readily metabolized by the bacteria.
Therefore, parents with small children should always know what they are giving their child. This is especially the case for toddlers who quench their thirst regularly with tea or juice. Children who consume lots of sugary drinks or food often suffer from a cavity (or six). Also, nutritionists generally recommend a reduced-sugar diet and advise parents not to get their children hooked on sweet foods and drinks.
Saliva protects against tooth decay
Human saliva performs a variety of health functions: it contains enzymes that break down long-chain carbohydrates as they chew, helping them to be easily digested in the gastrointestinal tract. And not only that: minerals are also found in saliva and help the body remineralize the enamel over and over again (delays the development of decay). However, the remineralizing power of saliva is not enough to prevent tooth decay. Instead, regular oral hygiene and Dental Services in Trumbull CT is necessary.
Also, saliva needs a certain amount of time to replace dissolved minerals in the enamel. However, when sugar, starchy or acidic foods are ingested again, this stops the repair process as it lowers the pH of the person’s saliva. Thus, an acidic environment occurs, which must be neutralized once again by the saliva. Visit us for more information or contact a dental clinic today.
