Your dental health begins inside your body. Having a diet that is balanced assists in having good dental health. To help your teeth develop it is recommended to include vitamins and calcium. Calcium is the mineral most likely to be deficient in the average diet. About 99 percent of the calcium in the human body is held in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1 percent of calcium circulates in the bloodstream, where it performs a variety of important functions. It is also important to understand how much calcium kids actually need. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences recommends: 500 mg a day for kids who are 1 to 3 years old, 800 mg a day for kids who are 4 to 8 years old and 1,300 mg a day for kids who are 9 to 18 years old.
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth makes acids which promote tooth decay. Tooth decay formation takes place in a process known as demineralization. Where do the acids that cause tooth decay come from? The acids that cause tooth demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) that live in dental plaque.
The bacteria that cause tooth decay utilize sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) as their food source. The waste products created during the digestion of these sugars are the acids (especially lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin. Take a moment and think about the foods most of us eat. Does your breakfast consist of a sugar coated cereal, coffee with sugar or fruit juice? Throughout the day do you reach for a soda rather than water? What you take into your body will affect your body – positively or negatively.
If you do not brush your teeth properly, bacteria and other particles will build up to cause plaque, which is a leading cause of tooth decay and gingivitis. Plaque also causes halitosis or extreme bad breath. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’re in good company. Plaque is a sticky film of living and dead bacteria that grows on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden-50 percent within 48 hours, becoming rock hard after 12 days. That rock, called calculus, is more commonly known as tartar.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned once or twice a year will help to keep your teeth free of tooth plaque. The Dental Hygienist has special tools that power clean teeth to remove plaque buildup and flush out bacteria, food and other matter that has built up between teeth and under the gums. If you wish to minimize tooth plaque, good oral hygiene is a must. Brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings. By following a few basic steps, plaque, tooth decay and bad breath will no longer be an issue.
Want to find out more about Dental Care In Dunwoody, then visit Dr. John’s site on how to choose the best Family Dental Care in Dunwoody for all your dental needs.