Dental caries can be experienced by both children and adults. If left unchecked, dental caries can cause cavities. Therefore, take preventive measures as early as possible.
Generally, healthy teeth are ivory white and clean, but sometimes teeth can also appear slightly yellowish. This color comes from the enamel or protective layer of the teeth.
However, if you notice any yellow-brown or black stains on your teeth, be wary. The reason is, these stains can indicate the appearance of dental caries.
Cause of Occurrence Dental caries
Dental caries is a condition where the tooth enamel is damaged due to demineralization or loss of mineral composition.
This is caused by bacteria attached to the teeth, namely: Streptococcus mutans, which process sugars and carbohydrates from food residue in the teeth into acidic liquids. If too much of this acid builds up, it can damage the tooth surface.
Therefore, the habit of rarely cleaning your teeth and often eating sweet foods can increase your risk of developing dental caries.
How to Prevent Dental Caries
In addition to stains on your teeth, you need to be aware of other symptoms of dental caries, such as bad breath, frequent food stucks, and toothache. Well, before it's too late, you need to do the following ways to prevent dental caries:
1. Brushing and flossing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride, especially after eating. In addition, use dental floss to clean the remaining food stuck between the teeth.
2. Gargle with salt water
To clean your teeth optimally and prevent tooth decay, you can rinse your mouth using a mouthwash that contains fluoride after brushing your teeth. If you don't have a mouthwash available, make your own mouthwash at home using a salt water solution to gargle.
3. Mengreduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks
The sugar contained in sugary foods and drinks can produce an acidic liquid which can damage the lining of the teeth. Therefore, you should limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks.
4. Routine dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups can keep your teeth healthy. The presence of dental caries can also be detected early and can be treated immediately. Ideally, a person needs to go to the dentist at least 2 times a year.
You can also try gargling with coconut oil (oil pulling) to prevent dental caries. This method can also be useful for cleaning the gums, tongue, and oral cavity from bacteria and food debris that has accumulated.
If the dental caries you experience is severe enough, you should consult a dentist, so that the doctor can carry out treatment, such as:
Antibacterial dental care
This treatment focuses on reducing the number of caries-causing bacteria in the mouth. You will be advised to rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash and take antibiotics.
Dental treatment with fluoride
Fluoride is a compound that is good for preventing and overcoming demineralization of the tooth enamel layer. In addition to using toothpaste withfluoride, the doctor will provide additional treatment in the form of mouthwash containing fluoride, supplements fluoride, or medicine fluoride oil for teeth.
Dental care in other ways
If this treatment is not enough, you may be advised to undergo dental fillings, root nerve treatment, installation crown, or tooth extraction.
Those are tips about preventing dental caries and handling it. Don't forget to regularly eat vegetables and fruit so that saliva production increases to help wash off food debris. The fiber contained in vegetables and fruit can also help clean teeth.
In addition, regularly eat foods high in calcium, so that the dental tissue remains strong and healthy.
If you find it difficult to prevent dental caries or the dental caries that you are experiencing does not improve and even gets worse, immediately consult a dentist for a solution.