Nobody wants rotting teeth. But it is something that can happen if you don’t care for them properly. In this post, we take a look at some of the reasons teeth rot and what you can do to prevent it.
Enamel Issues
Many people assume that rotting teeth are a direct consequence of lifestyle choices. But that’s not always the case. Some people have naturally deep grooves in their teeth enamel, and this provides space for bacteria to thrive. Brushing can’t reach these crevices, making decay more likely.
Fortunately, preventative dentistry can help. Some dentists will apply sealing compounds that fill in the gap, preventing it from providing a habitat for bacteria in the future.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods are the leading culprit for tooth decay. They’re damaging for two main reasons. First, they promote the growth of harmful acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. These break down the hard enamel on the surface of teeth, leading to damage, decay and destruction. And second, they cause inflammation throughout the body.
This response makes things like gum disease and bacterial imbalance in the mouth more likely.
The solution is to avoid foods with added sugar altogether. They are not required for a healthy, balanced diet. You can replace regular sugar with healthy alternatives, such as natural date sugar.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods are another major cause of tooth decay. When acids come into contact with tooth enamel, they soften it, causing it to recede over time.
The biggest offenders in the average person’s diet are fruit juices, carbonated drinks and lemon.
Genetics
For some people, genetics are the reason for their oral health issues. If your parents have poor oral health, there’s a greater chance that you will have problems too.
It’s a good idea, therefore, to look up the dental filling cost if you have a family history. This way, you can figure out how much restorative work is going to set you back in the future.
Bad Overall Nutrition
Sugar isn’t the only factor in the diet that can cause teeth to rot. Other elements, such as white flour and even potato chips can cause issues. That’s because these foods are “sticky.” You can’t clear them from your mouth quickly. Instead, particles remain on your teeth for hours and hours, giving bacteria an opportunity to thrive and multiply.
Where possible, eat food in its natural form. Cut back on consumption of white flours.
You Have Dry Mouth
Our mouths depend on saliva to clear them of bacteria buildup. Normally, they work well. However, if you have dry mouth symptoms, then you don’t have the normal amount of saliva. And that can create the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.
Dry mouth is actually one of the leading causes of tooth decay. There is no saliva to inhibit and clear bacteria, so they build up in the spaces around teeth and along the gum line.
You can deal with dry mouth by taking certain medications or addressing the underlying health concern that’s causing it.
