WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.

The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. Over time acids will break down the enamel, causing cavities to develop.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.

Gums can recede with age, and less saliva is produced as you get older. Many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care growing up, which, combined with natural changes that happen over time, can lead to a higher rate of tooth-related conditions, like gum or periodontal disease.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel.

This means that roots are especially susceptible to decay, and often are more sensitive to hot and cold. Because of these changes over time, it is common for people over the age of 50 to have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common for older adults.

Over the years, these fillings may weaken and may fracture around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up, leading to additional decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
• Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

(Content from The American Dental Association website)