Dental decay and gum diseases are among the most common disorders of developed societies and research shows that poor dental hygiene is the prime factor in tooth decay. The importance of the prevention of decay is constantly emphasized by dentists. Each tooth consists of a crown (the visible part) and the root, which anchors it in sockets in the jaw. A tooth consists mainly of hard dentin. The crown is coated with even harder enamel, while the root is covered with cementum to help anchor it in jaw. Inside each tooth is a cavity full of pulp, carrying nerves and tooth’s blood and lymph supply. Decay usually begins at the enamel and eats through the dentin to the pulp. Plaque is formed most readily by sticky, sugary food particles, so it can be minimized by avoiding excess sugar in the diet, and also by avoiding snacks between meals. Here comes the importance of cleaning the teeth thoroughly after every meal, using a good quality brush and proper brushing technique, is also advised by dentists. This process is called teeth whitening. Dental floss can also be used for cleaning between the teeth. Also, some public health authorities add fluoride to the water supplies because it has been found that this helps reduce the occurrence of tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentists are essential, so that the teeth can be cleaned and polished, any decay can be detected at the earliest opportunity, and specific advice can be given if necessary. Some dentists also use fissure sealants to smooth out the cracks where plaque lodges.
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