Cavities Aren't Just for Kids!
Active Acids
The hard outer enamel layer of your teeth is a perfect substance
to withstand the daily biting pressures required of your teeth over
a lifetime. Despite
this inherent toughness of design, there is a common and stealthy
enemy that knows precisely how to destroy your enamel: tooth decay. Tooth
decay is both sneaky and successful because it simply takes advantage
of the
mouth's normal (and constant) population bacteria. These bacteria
continually
produce and deposit plaque on your teeth, which combines with ingested
foods and beverages to form a strong, enamel-eroding acid. That's
why, regardless of age, tooth decay will get to you if you don't get
to
these bacteria first!
Aging Adults
Adults have much to be concerned about with tooth decay,
for many reasons. Aging can cause gum recession, exposing the tooth
root's exterior tissue
or cementum to plaque and acids. Second, many older people have
a significant number of silver amalgam fillings that over time,
may be subject to
fractures, leaks and bacteria accumulation, allowing tooth decay
to destroy the
underlying enamel. Third, older people often have trouble cleaning
the edges or margins of their teeth, allowing tooth decay to
begin. Fortunately,
tooth decay at any age is almost entirely preventable if you're
willing
to be a diligent brusher and flosser, eat nutritiously and avoid
snacking. You can also add protective measures like extra fluoride
treatments,
dental sealants, and more frequent advanced periodontal cleanings.
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