Cavities, tooth decay, and dental caries all refer to destruction of teeth by acid. Caries is the disease process by which acid destroys teeth. Cavities are the holes that result from this destruction. And tooth decay is a general term that includes both the process (caries) and the outcome of that process (cavities).
Tooth decay is a global problem that affects people at all ages. It generally starts in childhood and progresses throughout life unless the caries process is prevented or stopped in its tracks.
Despite being common, tooth decay is can be very consequential. It often results in pain that limits eating, sleeping, and concentration. Cavities on our front teeth damages our appearance. Even speaking can be affected.
As cavities grow in size and depth, they can damage the sensitive nerves inside our teeth and can lead to infections of the tooth, the gums, the face, and even the body.
So it is important to know how to prevent the caries process and to stop it if it is already underway.
Caries Risk Factors
Caries is primarily a disease of diet and hygiene.
· Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary foods, snacks, or drinks is the leading risk factor for tooth decay. Even sticky carbohydrates that linger on our teeth can break down into sugars that feed the caries process.
· Hygiene: The goal of daily dental hygiene is to remove plaque from all surfaces of our teeth. Dental plaque is that sticky bacterial coating that forms along the gum line and between our teeth. But even seemingly clean teeth (with little or no visible plaque) can become decayed if sugars are consumed often throughout the day.
How to Prevent or Stop the Caries process
The good news is that dental caries is largely preventable through proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential tips for preventing caries:
· Diet: Be mindful about what you eat and how you eat. We all consume sugars in our food and drinks. But frequent consumption of sugars and sticky starches is a problem that we can avoid.
· Hygiene: Be mindful about how and how often you clean all your teeth. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste both cleans and strengthens your teeth. Flossing between the teeth is the best way to ensure that plaque is removed everywhere.
MySmileBuddy and Caries Control
Preventing dental caries starts with understanding the role of diet and oral hygiene from an early age. MySmileBuddy is a valuable tool that empowers families with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively prevent or stop the caries process. By providing personalized oral health goal settings and easy-to-understand information, MySmileBuddy helps create a foundation for strong, healthy teeth from early in life.
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