As the saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’. Tooth decay is something that is best avoided as the consequences can be difficult to deal with. Taking the time to improve your smile whilst at the our dental practice is much more pleasant than having to deal with fillings or perhaps even a tooth extraction due to decay.
Tooth decay is due to certain bacteria attacking your teeth over a prolonged period of time. They use sugary foods as a source of energy and so if you frequenty eat sugar rich foods then you are at a higher risk of developing decay. If plaque is allowed to build up around your teeth then this is the perfect breeding ground for these bacteria and will provide a plentiful food source for them. The bacterial threat can be reduced by regularly cleaning your teeth with a fluoride containing toothpaste which will strenghten your teeth at the same time as destroying the plaque and bateria around your teeth.
All of our staff in our Glasgow Dental Practice are trained to try and help you prevent developing decay in the first place. We recommend all adults to visit us twice a year for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth and gums. For children we have the childsmile programme in place during which we will go over diet advice and practice tooth brushing with your children in a friendly atmosphere. Also when your children are old enough we will place fluoride varnish on their teeth to strenghten them and also place fissure sealants in their back teeth to help prevent decay. We will discuss fissure sealants and their benefits in more detail in our next blog.