¿What is decay?

Tooth decay is a disease with a high prevalence around the world. This disease causes destruction of the teeth gradually by demineralization given by the sum of different factors, including the principal are poor oral hygiene and consumption of cariogenic products, other factors also associated with dental caries are the dental crowding and the use of removable dentures.

How to decay begins?

Caries is an infectious process in which several microorganisms plaque as Streptococcus mutans Lactobacillus acidophilus and produce acids that attack primarily the inorganic component of enamel and cause demineralisation. Initial carious lesions occur on a microscopic level, beginning as white spots and progressively after continuous acid attack, destruction of mineral tooth tissue occurs, affecting the enamel and dentin to subsequently become infected the inner part, called the dental pulp. The pain associated with this disease is the same progressive way, so it is convenient early treatment.

How to prevent tooth decay?

Proper oral hygiene is the main way to prevent the accumulation of dental plaque and therefore caries. It means toothbrushing with a frequency of 3 times per day with toothpaste as appropriate according to the specific needs; and a suitable toothbrush bristles in good condition (use of no longer than two months). It is important to perform a brushing technique that achieves effectively remove food debris and not aggressive with the gums. Complementarily we recommend flossing interdental areas where cleaning brush hardly achieved. It also helps us avoid the formation of dental plaque using mouthwashes. Reducing frequent consumption of sweet foods, sweets, gasified and acidic beverages also reduce the risk of caries as such foods become acidic environment in our mouth (acid pH) and favor the demineralization of teeth, in addition to providing sugars that benefit the bacteria that cause cavities. To maintain good oral health and prevent tooth decay, in addition to the above we recommend visiting the dentist periodically to diagnose initial lesions of this disease and prevent it with advice and regular prophylaxis.

Link: Bass brushing technique modified

• 1. Sugar and Dental Caries.
• 2. Dental caries: a dynamic disease process. JD Featherstone. Aust Dent J. 2008 Sep;53(3):286-91