Saliva, hygiene and eating habits, as well as other factors, can contribute to the appearance of tooth decay
According to the Ministry of Health, tooth decay is one of the most widespread chronic non-communicable diseases in the world. It is characterized by disintegration of the tooth and can be caused by a number of factors. Without proper treatment, it can worsen into a more serious oral health problem.
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The pediatric dentist at IGM Dentistry, Dr. Ilana Marques, highlights the main factors linked to the onset of tooth decay:
- Eating habits;
- Hygiene habits;
- Salivary composition;
- Fluorine.
Therefore, the risk factors are poor eating habits and poor oral hygiene habits. Furthermore, saliva also plays an important role in this context, as it protects the teeth from tooth decay. This is because its composition can directly influence an individual’s predisposition to develop the problem.
The characteristics of saliva can favor the appearance of cavities
“Saliva contains ions such as calcium and phosphate, which help remineralize tooth enamel and strengthen teeth. Individuals with saliva with a low concentration of these minerals may be more susceptible to tooth decay, as these minerals allow for the natural remineralization of teeth , when present in normal quantities”, explains the pediatric dentist.
Furthermore, people with dry mouths, i.e. with poor salivation, are also more predisposed to tooth decay, as it also acts to carry out mechanical cleaning as well as maintaining the pH of the mouth alkaline, thus neutralizing the acidity of some foods, points out the expert.
Ilana also points out that children aged 0 to 2 years are more susceptible to tooth decay because their teeth are not yet completely mineralized.
Foods to avoid
“The most acidic and sticky foods are those that most favor the onset of tooth decay. This is because they demineralize the tooth enamel with their acidity. It is the lack of minerals that causes the disease in the form of white, yellowish spots, even cavities” , says the professional.
How to prevent tooth decay
According to Ilana, when it comes to cavities, prevention is always the best way. With this in mind, the specialist has listed some necessary precautions to avoid the problem. Watch:
- Adopt a smart diet;
- Maintain adequate hygiene;
- Conduct preventive consultations with the dentist;
- Use fluoride.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
