Studies have revealed that tooth decay is many times more prevalent than asthma or hay fever and is considered one of the planets most common health issues. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 90 percent of the population has one dental cavity or more.
Who Is Affected And Why ?
There are two high risk groups :
1. Children
2. Senior citizens
Tooth decay in children is very common due, largely, to their sugar intake, usually in the form of candy and fizzy drinks. A sticky layer, coating the teeth, called plaque, contains bacteria. This bacteria converts the sugar in the mouth to acid, it is this acid that goes on to attack the tooth’s outer layer or enamel. Once the enamel layer has been breached tooth decay occurs.
As we age our gums tend to recede, this can give the plaque bacteria an opportunity to attack below the gum line and eventually to the root and in some serious cases bone can be affected.
Without a strict oral hygiene routine and a high sugar diet, left unchecked bacteria in the mouth will reap havoc on your teeth. We can all suffer the affects of this disease so we all need to watch our sugar intake, brush our teeth regularly and visit our dentist often.
Tooth decay can affect an individual in many ways :
1. Physically
2. Medically
3. Mentally and Emotionally
4. Socially
The physical affects of tooth decay are generally obvious due to the outward visual signs, not only to the sufferer but to those who come into contact with them. Another outward sign is bad breath which can be a great source of embarrassment. Anxiety and low self esteem symptoms can also present their selves. You may also be in a great deal of pain due to the decay eventually attacking the tooth nerve.
Medically, bad breath is caused by decaying teeth and a bacterial infection in the mouth. Cavities can be just the tip of the iceberg, the disease can progress deeper in to the mouth and actually attack ones jaw bone ( Periodontal disease). More serious complications can then ensue due to infection, causing swelling and even blood poisoning.
Because your smile is sometimes the first impression that you will make on someone you may feel uncomfortable and lack confidence should you have bad or discolored front teeth due to decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Prevention is better than cure and a lot less painful than a visit to the dentist for a filling or root canal treatment. So, from an early age, we must educate ourselves to not eat so much sugar. Also, it is very important to have strict oral hygiene routine with regular brushing and flossing. Regularly visit your dentist even before you get problems.
Some water authorities add fluoride to the water system because this has proved to help control tooth decay.
Treatment
If tooth decay is allowed to cause infection then a dentist or doctor may prescribe anti-biotic’s before any dental work can take place. Surgery may also be required should the infection become more serious.
New treatments are being developed such as vaccines that act against streptococcus mutans, the tooth decay causing bacteria. Other advances such as dental implantation, Healozone gas that triggers a natural teeth healing process are also in the pipe line.
It must be said that you should seek the advice of a dentist or medical professional when it comes to the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition including tooth decay. If we are to address this global disease we must try to prevent it in the first place by educating our young in the importance of oral hygiene and a low or sugar free diet.
