Tooth Decay

[Anisha]

Hiya

I visit the dentist every six months and try to keep my teeth clean by brushing as often as I can and yet my teeth decay very easily. Recently I visited my dentist for a check up and he told me that I got tooth decay on my middle top tooth.

I have tried to change my toothpaste and now use electric toothbrush but it hasn't helped much and new cavities still carry on appearing. I would like to know if there is anything that I could do to stop my tooth decay?

I have been told by a friend that I probably have weak teeth that are going to always have problems. I am very concerned about this and would like to know if there is anything that I could do to help strengthen my teeth and prevent decay?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

If read the text book of dentistry about decay, they tell you there are 3 factors that must be present at the same time in order to tooth decay develop; Time, plaque and sugar!

Time is always there and we can do nothing about it as we are living and age. But the other 2 factors we can avoid so to stop tooth decay and this is for everybody whether you have weak teeth or not and if they are followed , then there will be no decay.

Plaque build up is prevented by excellent oral hygiene(OH). It is good that you are using electric toothbrush, but just because it is electric it does not mean teeth are effectively are cleaned from plaque and still have to make sure brushing is done correctly and effectively. Also flossing plays a very important role and must be done correctly otherwise is does not do anything.

Sugar plays an important role in tooth decay. It is the quantity and frequency of the sugar taken that is important. Thus the more often and the bigger the amount taken the faster and larger the decay effect. This is because the bacteria that causes tooth decay need sugar to survive and if less sugar is there the less they become effective. It is the byproducts of bacterial metabolism from sugar that damages the teeth by dimineralizing the teeth, so use of fluoridated toothpastes helps to remineralize the teeth and stop the decay. One must notice that sugar in diet comes from many different ways and it is not just the chocolate or sugar in tea and coffee. Many drinks and fruits also have high sugar content and one must be aware of it.