Tooth Decay from Not Flossing and Brushing

It seems most people accept cavities as a fact of life. And certainly they are nothing new to mankind. However, cavities were less common before the 1700’s and what changed that was the establishment of sugar plantations!

As people’s diets changed, they gradually rendered themselves more and more vulnerable to tooth decay. Tooth decay from not flossing and brushing is a big problem, especially for children.

Tooth decay results from two factors: poor diet and hygiene. When a person eats a piece of candy or drinks a soda, both items high in sugar content, glycoproteins attach to his or her teeth. Then bacteria in his or her mouth metabolizes the glycoproteins for energy. As this is occurring, plaque builds up. Without the proper dental care, plaque is not washed away, and thus this metabolic process isn’t hindered. When bacteria is successful at using these glycoproteins, the end product is lactic acid. Lactic acid ultimately eats away at the enamel of your tooth.

So, tooth decay from not flossing and brushing results because the buildup of plaque is facilitated and lactic acid thus erodes away tooth enamel, forming holes – or cavities. As well, a key ingredient of most toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride helps to restore minerals to your tooth’s enamel, so as to protect it from lactic acid. When you don’t brush your teeth, you miss a great opportunity to arm them with strong minerals!

Tooth decay is not always preventable but tooth decay from not flossing and brushing most definitely is! Children not only have a difficult time restraining themselves from sugary deserts and candies, but they often lack the discipline to brush and floss their teeth. But a little extra effort goes a long way. Cavities don’t have to be a fact of you or your child’s life.