This message from Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township is about tooth decay.
Your mouth has a thriving community of bacteria. There are from 200-300 types, but relatively few cause tooth decay.
Bacteria that cause tooth decay mix with sugar to form a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria remains on teeth, it creates a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel and causing cavities. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize.
Special Caution for Parents
The tooth decay bacteria can spread through saliva. People in close contact with one another are at risk. Sharing spoons or kissing are two avenues. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can the bacteria to babies. Young children whose teeth are forming are at a heightened risk of decay. It’s important that parents protect their children from early tooth decay. Start teaching daily oral hygiene as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. Childhood decay is so prevalent that some parents believe it’s just part of growing up. But it doesn’t have to be!
Daily oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and fluoride protect young teeth. You and your son or daughter can get fluoride from toothpaste, fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride supplements.
The Role of Fluoride in Cavity Prevention
If the teeth are constantly assaulted with food and liquids (especially acidic or sugary types), the enamel never has a chance to remineralize. The combination forms the dangerous acid. Acid and plaque decreases the enamel and may cause a white spot. This is a sign of mineral loss. It’s the first step in the formation of a cavity. At this point, you can reverse the mineral loss.
Fluoride does three essential things:
- It replaces minerals
- It prevents more mineral loss
- It reduces acid-causing bacteria
Remember that too much fluoride can stain teeth!
At Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township, we want all our patients to have the best possible dental health. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next checkup today!
Contact Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry:
586-685-0880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
45665 Village Blvd
Shelby Township, Michigan
48315
