Tooth enamel is strong. It can withstand brushing two or three times a day. We can crunch nuts, chew on tough meat, and even use high pressure to clean away plaque buildup. Our teeth were designed to be with us for life, however, that life used to be only thirty odd years. Now we are living to our seventies so we need to do extra work to ensure our teeth stay the distance.

This means regular cleaning, regular brushing, and regular dental checkups. Brushing twice a day with a good toothbrush and toothpaste is a great start. Flossing daily will help remove plaque build up while a six-month cleaning by your dentist will help to keep your teeth shiny and clean.

With this regular routine, most people only need the occasional filling as they get older, and sometimes these are such small areas of decay – but then, the earlier we catch decay the smaller the area and the easier it is to control. Yes – the enamel on your teeth is hard – very hard, but you still need to maintain a thorough cleaning regime to protect that enamel. Acidic substances will soon break down that enamel and turn your teeth in the weakest substance in your body.

Teeth are not created equally. If you were to compare the teeth of a range of children you would notice differences, especially in the molars at the back of the mouth. Molars don’t have flat biting surfaces; they actually have small valleys in them. In some children, these valleys can be a little deeper than normal and this is where problems can start.

These valleys can hold minute particles of food, which can break down over time. This process can damage the enamel on that surface and eventually lead to decay. As children get older, and their brushing technique improves, this problem diminishes – and that’s all it takes to clear the problem, a good brushing technique.

Fortunately, there is a solution for young children. Dentists can apply a sealant. This is a protective groove coating that fills in some of those deep valleys in the tooth’s surface. This removes those deep valleys where food can hide and makes life easier for the child.

Sealants are not lifetime solutions for these problems. By the time the child reaches their teens the sealant will most likely have worn away. Hopefully, by then the teen has developed a good brushing technique that removes any food debris located in those deeper valleys.

Regular dental checkups for children are a must. The dentist can identify problem areas and advise you as to whether or not your child requires any sealants. They help protect the child’s teeth and allow the child time to develop good brushing techniques. It’s only a tiny change in the surface of the tooth, but it can make a huge difference in your child’s dental health.

A cavity means a hole. Dental cavities are the holes that are created in the teeth as a clear indication of teeth decay. Dental cavities are also known as dental caries.

So, what causes these holes in our teeth? It is the bacteria present in the plaque in the mouth. The bacteria release harmful acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. This causes dental cavities.

What can you do to prevent cavities? You need to make sure that there is no plaque formation in the mouth. And you already know how to do that! Not sure? We’ll tell you how.

• Add fluoride to your meals, drink fluoride-mixed water, or use fluoride-based toothpaste.

• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday. This not only keeps your mouth clean but also prevents dry mouth.
• Stick to a balanced diet. Eating right is a great way to take care of your dental health.
• Follow a proper dental care routine. Ask your dentist if you need to tweak your routine to suit your dental needs.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups. You should see your dentist at least once every six months. Visit earlier if you notice the slightest hint of a dental problem.

If you happen to get dental cavities, do not panic. There are various restorative treatments available to treat cavities. The major ones are:

• Dental fillings

• Crowns
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extraction

If you do not want to reach a stage where you need to get your teeth extracted, start taking care of your dental health today.

Happy smiling!