Cavities

The destruction of the tooth enamel is known as tooth decay or Cavities. Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth. A soft sticky film on your teeth is formed which is a plaque. Plaque contains bacteria which produces acids that attack the tooth enamel while you consume food or drinks comprising sugars. The acids are intact with your teeth due to the plaque stickiness and with the time, the enamel breaks down. This is when cavities normally form. A little hole in your tooth is a cavity.

An increased occurrence of gum disease can be associated due to the receding of the gums away from the teeth. This could expose the roots of the tooth to the plaque. A softer tissue cementum acts as a cover over the tooth roots. This tissue is softer than the enamel. They are sensitive to touch and to cold and hot. In the case of the cavity, they are prone to decay. The tooth root decay is normally found in the people over 50 years of age.

Who could face these problems?

Generally, it is believed that cavities are found only in children’s but the changes in your mouth with your growing age makes it a common problem in adults as well. Gums recede away from your teeth as you grow older. This could be due to gum disease exposing the teeth roots to plaque. You are likely to get cavities if you consume high carbohydrate or sugary foods regularly.

At times, decay around the edges of fillings can be seen in the older adults. Due to less oral care and fluoride, the seniors often have to get a lot of dental work. The fillings weaken teeth and break with time. Decay is caused due to a gathering of bacteria in the gaps.

Tips for prevention: 

• Brush daily twice with toothpaste containing fluoride.
  
• Clean daily with inter-dental cleaner or floss between your teeth.
• Consuming balanced and nutritious food and limit consumption of snacks.
• Regularly visit the dentist for oral examination and professional cleaning.
• Check with your dentist about usage of fluoride supplements.