What is Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of the outer surface of a tooth from acid forming bacteria that is produced by food containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches).

Tooth Decay Prevention

Brush your teeth twice a day with a tooth paste that contains fluoride. Preferably, brush after each meal and before bedtime to help reduce the bacteria from staying on your teeth for a certain length of time.

You may wish to consider these helpful tips as well:

• Floss your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Check with your dentist regarding the use of a supplemental fluoride which strengthens your teeth and helps prevents tooth decay.
• Consider dental sealants which is a plastic like substance placed on the top of molars to protect the teeth from decay
• Use mouth wash with fluoride. Many of them kill 50% or more of the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Chewing gum with the ingredient Xylitol may also kill some of the bacteria which causes tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Maintain dental insurance and or a dental plan to keep your dental cost low.