 Overview
Although tooth decay has
declined among young children as a group,
it can still be a problem for individual
children, and even teens and adults.
That’s because plaque, a sticky
film of bacteria, constantly forms on
your teeth. When you eat or drink foods
containing sugars or starches, the bacteria
in plaque produce acids that attack tooth
enamel. The stickiness of the plaque
keeps these acids in contact with your
teeth and after many such attacks, the
enamel can break down and a cavity forms.
Preventing Decay:
- Brush your teeth twice
a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean
between teeth daily with floss or
an interdental cleaner.
- Eat a balanced
diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit
your dentist regularly for professional
cleanings and oral exams.
- Ask your
dentist about dental sealants,
a protective plastic coating
that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth where
decay often starts.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Additional
Resources
For the Dental
Patient
Public
Service Announcements
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
|
