Even though Mary Poppins said a spoonful of sugar would make the medicine go down, when it comes to our teeth, we know better in Hamden. Tooth Decay in Hamden is a serious issue, which we’ll discuss in this blog post.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay has been an issue since people were people. Archaeologists have found drilled-out teeth from Egypt to China as far back as 5,000 BC.
The earliest incidents of a rise in tooth decay were noted when humans began farming. Agriculture led to more carbohydrates in the diet which turned to sugars in the body. Many of the earliest cultures believed the cavities were caused by an evil worm and the only way to get rid of it was to drill out the toot.
Around the 11th century, there was another increase. Sugar cane became available in the western world, and for many centuries after, tooth decay and caries were mainly a problem for the wealthy. As more countries found their way to produce sugars, sweet potatoes, beets, etc., tooth decay became less of a class problem and more of an everyday occurrence.
It took until the 1930s before people realized that sugars caused the bacteria that helped create tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay In Hamden
There are a variety of causes of tooth decay and cavities, teeth grinding, acidic foods & drinks, smoking, and genetics. Even non-sugar products can be suspect. Many of these products contain chemicals and ingredients that can wear the enamel of your teeth.
The number one cause of cavities, however, is poor oral hygiene and sugary foods.
Soft drinks, candy, cakes, there are very few people that aren’t tempted by the lure of sweet foods, and there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you take care of your mouth. Brushing after meals is important to get rid of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Even if you don’t have a piece of pie or a scoop of ice cream, there are other foods that can produce sugar. Pieces of bread, potatoes, green beans, and corn are all suspect. The best defense is a good offense.
Starting young is key as well. Even though children will eventually lose their baby teeth, getting them into the habit of brushing their teeth after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as at bedtime provides them with the necessary tools to keep the evil worms away from their teeth.
Make sure to keep your regular dental appointments and follow a good oral hygiene plan. Give us a call today at (203) 248-0011. A spoonful of sugar may make the medicine go down, but a toothbrush keeps the cavities away.