This post from Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL is about dental health and tooth decay. Your mouth has a thriving community of bacteria. There are from 200-300 types, but most don’t cause tooth decay.
Bacteria that do cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar to create a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria remains on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque.
Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel and causing cavities. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize.
The tooth decay bacteria can spread through saliva. People in close contact with one another are at risk. Sharing spoons or kissing are two avenues. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can actually give the bacteria to babies. Young children whose teeth are forming are at a heightened risk of decay. Daily oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and fluoride can help protect young teeth.
At Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL, we want all our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. People throughout North Athens, East Mooresville, and South Cullman come to us for comprehensive general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Contact Decatur Smiles:
256-350-5820
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1316 Somerville Rd SE Ste 2
Decatur, Alabama
35601
