It may come as a shock, but recent studies have found tooth decay is more prevalent than asthma. In fact, this is considered to be one of the most common health issues that spans across the globe. It is a good thing it is easy to avoid becoming a statistic with regular visits to your dentist and proper oral hygiene.
So what is tooth decay and how do you prevent it? First, this is another way of saying you have a cavity. The basic cavity is nothing more than a portion of your tooth rotting due to bacteria and infection. Of course, this term also includes more serious issues, but cavities are what make up the bulk of the people on the statistics lists.
What may surprise you are the age groups that make up the bulk of these stats. Kids take the top spot mainly due to how much sugar they consume. When sugar is introduced into their mouths, the bacteria transform it into acid. It is this acid that allows for tooth decay to start. No parent should ever consider baby teeth as “practice teeth” as the decay can spread into the gums and jaw bone, thus causing even more severe health problems.
The second group is senior citizens. The reason for this is that as people age, their gums recede and allow for easier access for bacteria to get below the gum line. This makes it easier for bacteria to get at the roots of teeth and cause some unwanted effects.
Treatment for tooth decay can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Simple cavities require nothing more than a filling where deep infections may require surgery to handle the issue. Only your dentist can properly diagnose and recommend a treatment to resolve the problem at hand.
The good news is that preventing this issue is a lot less painful than a root canal. Educating children not to eat handfuls of sugar is a good starting point. Then proceed on with proper oral hygiene that includes regular brushing of teeth and gums as well as flossing. Do not forget to see your dentist twice a year.