Question 1

what causes tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Sugar: Bacteria in your mouth cling to your tooth & if fed by sugar they produce acids that erode your tooth & result in decay ( a cavity).

Question 2

is tooth decay hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Not really: No i don't think it is.  But the bad habits that cause tooth decay are passed on through families.  I have heard patients say that bad teeth run in their family, but i don't agree with that. If you brush 2-3 times a day, floss once a day, rinse once a day, see the dentist every 6 months, you will go a long way toward breaking this family tradition.

Question 3

how can you stop tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Great home care: Great home care along w  a healthy diet and regular dental visits.
Avoid sugary drinks, sticky sweets, potato chips, etc!
use a Fluoride toothpaste.

Question 4

how can i cure my tooth decay ?

Accepted Answer

Tooth decay: Sometimes if the decay is small enough flouride can help reverse the decay. But if the decay passes a certain point you will need a filling. Brush and floss regularly and properly, get cleanings regularly and reduce the amount of acidic drinks that are not counteracted, and you may get less cavities.

Question 5

what chemicals cause tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Acid: Acid demineralizes the enamel matrix of the teeth causing tooth decay.

Question 6

how quickly can a childs tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Tooth decay: Depends on if there is Fluoride in the city water and the child drinks it.  The diet is the biggest culprit I have found- mothers control what the child eats almost tolally in the first few years.  Many refined carborhydrates like crackers, chips, (cheerios) will mush up on the childs teeth if they are not brushed or flossed off.  The parents need to brush and floss the child's teeth  daily.

Question 7

how do sweet things cause tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria: Tooth decay is caused by bacteria living in your mouth.  The bacteria use carbohydrates (sugars) to produce acids which breakdown the surface of the tooth.  This breakdown is tooth decay.  Keep in mind, it is not how much sweet things you eat but how often you eat them that affect tooth decay.

Question 8

what are the main causes of tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Acid: Acid, produced by bacteria, causes the breakdown of the mineral matrix that enamel is composed of. Acids from specific foods/drinks will also contribute to the problem, as will acid reflux.

Question 9

what can i do to stop early tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Follow One Rule: Never put a child to bed at nap-time or night-time with a bottle containing anything other then plain water.  If they are getting enough nutrition during the  day while they are awake they don't need anything extra at nap-time and night-time. If decay has already started and it is mild you may be able to controll it with precription Fluoride products.  If severe it requires restoration.

Question 10

is it possible to reverse my tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Slight chance: Only if the demineralization of the enamel is in its infancy. There are remineralizing products that can effectively remineralize the small decalcification. For the most part, tooth decay needs to be restored with a filling. Ask your dentist.

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Doctor answers about:

Tooth decay in children under 5

A member asked:

What causes tooth decay?

A member asked:

Is tooth decay hereditary?

A member asked:

How can you stop tooth decay?

A member asked:

How can i cure my tooth decay ?

A member asked:

What chemicals cause tooth decay?

A member asked:

How quickly can a childs tooth decay?

A member asked:

How do sweet things cause tooth decay?

A member asked:

What are the main causes of tooth decay?

A member asked:

What can i do to stop early tooth decay?

A member asked:

Is it possible to reverse my tooth decay?

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