Tooth decay is something to be taken more seriously. It is the gradual decay of a teeth and is a process that can't be reversed, unless fixed through repairs and replacements of teeth.

1. Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is something that more people need to take more seriously. It is literally the gradual decay
of one’s teeth and is a process that cannot be reversed only remedied through expensive repairs and
replacements of teeth.
How Does Tooth Decay Occur?
Tooth decay, also known as the formation of cavities, happens when the
bacteria occurring naturally in the human mouth digests sugar with the
resulting excretions being acid. The acid produced as the byproduct of
bacteria consuming sugars in the mouth then begins to eat away at the teeth
and the hard protective coating known as the enamel.
As the acid slowly corrodes the enamel, the formation of cavities begins to
appear causing pain and permanent damage to the tooth. If personal oral
hygiene efforts are not enacted, the bacteria and food particles that form
their food source transform into a hard fossil like structure on the teeth known as plaque, and plaque,
while still able to produce teeth eroding acid, can only be removed by one’s dentist or their dental
hygienist.
Avoid Eating Sugar
To avoid this destructive sequence of tooth decay, there are those who simply avoid eating sugar
thinking that that may slow acid production in their mouths, but these individuals are greatly mistaken.
Sugar, the food for bacteria in the mouth, can be derived from any food source that contains
carbohydrates, which are composed of sugars and starches and include such standard food items as
breads, fruits, and dairy products.
The only way to avoid tooth decay is by having quality dental hygiene habits. A person can prevent tooth
decay from occurring in their own mouths by enacting the following few points of proper oral health and
dental hygiene as suggested by their Draper dentist.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
First and foremost, a person must brush their teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a toothpaste
containing fluoride. Fluoride has been shown repeatedly to strengthen tooth enamel and thwart tooth
decay.
Brushing twice daily is the minimum suggestion for those who wish to prevent tooth decay, but people
should remember that they can brush more than twice a day if they so desire. While some cases have
shown that over brushing has been harmful to oral health, brushing after every meal is preferable as it
will clean the teeth of the leftover food particles and building bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
Similarly and likewise importantly, flossing each time one brushes their teeth will allow for the best
cleanse of harmful bacteria and food particles. Every individual will have to decide when they prefer to

2. floss, either before brushing or after, as experts are divided on the topic, but flossing in connection with
brushing is universally agreed on as essential for oral health and for preventing tooth decay.
Along with flossing and brushing teeth regularly each day, a person can help themselves in preventing
tooth decay by eating a nutritious and balanced diet. While many foods may contribute to tooth decay
after being consumed and processed by bacteria, there are also many foods with valuable nutrients that
can help to strengthen dental health such as foods high in vitamin C.