A new study demonstrates that more than 25% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 91% of all Americans currently have a tooth that either needs treatment or has been treated for tooth decay. Despite the gradual decrease in tooth decay since the 1960’s, there is still a need for overall oral health improvement in adults to treat and manage tooth decay.
What is Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay occurs when certain bacteria in your mouth secrete acid that eat away at your tooth enamel. Left untreated, tooth decay, also known as a “cavity,” can penetrate deeper beneath the enamel to the inner tooth layers. This decay process may cause pain, infection, and/or eventually loss of the tooth.
What Causes Tooth Decay:
Some of the top causes of tooth decay are:
- Poor oral hygiene care and practice
- Acidic foods/drinks and poor nutrition
- Deep tooth crevices and genetics
- Tooth grinding
- and more
Avoiding Tooth Decay
Tooth decay and cavities can be avoided by adopting regular oral health practices, eating well, and taking preventative measures that include regular dental exams. If you have questions about how you can promote better oral care and/or are concerned with preventing recurring tooth decay issues, contact Dr. Martin and Dr. Appelblatt to schedule an appointment.
(Source: http://blog.dmsmiles.com/study-untreated-tooth-decay-causes-25-of-american-adults-to-suffer/)