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Development of tooth decay can be a major problem for individuals of all age groups. In simple terms, tooth decay occurs when most of the tooth's mineral content as been dissolved.

Source of tooth decay

Plaque, a thin sticky film of bacteria is one of the main causes of tooth decay. These bacteria lives on the leftover starch and sugars of the food we take and forms acids, which attacks the enamel of the tooth. Tooth decay dose not occur overnight, it develops overtime.

How to prevent tooth decay

• Proper brushing - The layer of plaque is removed from outside, inside or chewing surfaces of the teeth by proper brushing with a soft-bristle brush. Brushing should be done at least twice a day preferably in the morning and before going to bed with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste. The tongue and the gum should be brushed to remove bacteria. This freshens your breath. It is recommended by dentists that you change your toothbrush every 3 months for with a new one more plaque is removed than with the older one.
• Flossing - Flossing is important because it removes plaque from the gum line where gum problems starts to grow. Flossing is done by wrapping a piece of floss about eighteen inch around the middle finger. The remaining floss is wrapped around the middle finger of the other hand. Now gently move the floss so that it reaches every teeth. Aclean portion of floss should be used for each tooth. At first gums may slightly bleed due to flossing, but they become stronger with regular flossing. If bleeding persists for over two weeks, then a dentists should be consulted.
• Nutrition - Our teeth needs a proper diet for a better growth and nutrition. The oral health is not only affected by what is eaten but also on when is eaten. Sweets and starchy foods increases the chance of tooth decay.
• Fluoride - Fluoride is essential for strong and healthy teeth. It prevents tooth decay. This mineral can be found in certain toothpaste, mouth rinses, some foods, etc.
• Using a sealant - It is a plastic material which is safe to use and is applied on the top of the chewing teeth the molars and the premolars. Most decay occurs on the small groves of the surface of these teeth called pits and fissures. The primary work of the sealant is to act like a protective layer for these surfaces.