There is a popular TV commercial about a child being proud of having a single cavity that shows the poor condition of our dental health. By the age of 21, the child, though he may regularly visit the dentist, will wind up having several cavities.
The existence of cavities is rampant. There are so many reasons for why it happens. Sometimes, cases of cavities are passed on to the next generations just like heart disease. Just because your grandfather had good teeth doesn’t mean you will, also. Maybe fluoridated water was available for him. Consumption of sweets may not have been an issue. Most likely, his teeth was kept clean through brushing with tooth powder and rinsing with salt water.
Though you may not act upon your own heredity, you may act on other things. Make the local government see the importance of having a fluoridated water supply. Studies show that they will have only half as many cavities as children who don’t get fluoridated water. Osteoporosis can even be prevented because of fluoridation.
You and your children should also cut down on sugar, particularly sugar loaded foods between or just after meals. Refrain from eating something containing sticky sugar. dental caries start with plaques of protein and carbohydrate material that sticks to the surface of the teeth and in crevices between them. The plaque conceals bacteria that produce acid which causes the teeth to corrode. The bacteria feeds on a substance known as dextran.
Studies reveal that cavities are more prone to develop when sugar is eaten between meals rather than during them. Recently, babies have been sucking from pacifiers that contain sweet syrup. Apparently, there is still one medical curiosity that might make you think twice.
Certain families suffer from a disease called hereditary fructose intolerance. These people, after consuming fructose, become uncontrollably sick. Early in life, such victims learn to avoid sucrose or any food containing it. So even if they consume a lot of carbohydrates, they don’t suffer from cavities as much.
Eating sugar is clearly the reason for the presence of cavities. Value your gums and teeth because they are necessary for your nutritional well being. Vitamins and minerals are a necessity for improved dental health. The stimulation of your gums is one of the benefits of eating harder foods.
Visits to the dentist and brushing of teeth after meals are obviously needed, as we now see. You would likely have to endure out of pocket expenses and painful experiences.