Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavity, is the demineralizing of hard elements of the tooth (such as dentin, enamel, and cementum) which is the result of a bacterial process. Certain bacteria (i.e. Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans) transform starchy carbohydrates or sugars that stick on your teeth into acid, and hence the acid causes dental erosion. The hard tooth structure will gradually break down and cavities will form. Dental caries can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, such as tooth infection or even tooth fracture.
To prevent tooth decay, you should practice good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy diet. It is very important that you consume foods that are rich in Vitamins A, C and D, fiber, calcium, and magnesium.
Vitamin A is essential for teeth and bone formation, fiber improves the production of saliva (hence helps clear the bits of food that are stuck on your teeth) and Vitamin C prevents dental bleeding and infection. These three substances are commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as papaya, carrot, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry, many types of beans, apple, celery, garlic, watercress, etc. Although citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and grapefruit are good sources of Vitamin C, they are also rich in citric acid which is bad for tooth enamel.
Berries such as cranberry, raspberry, and blueberry are effective in combating dental caries. Besides Vitamins A and C, berries are rich in flavonoids as well. Flavonoids have antibacterial properties that can help prevent the formation of cavities. Several researches have also discovered that berries contain bioactive components that can prevent caries-causing bacteria from sticking to the surface of the teeth and reduce the number of bacteria in the saliva. » Read more: Healthy Teeth Make A Beautiful Smile – Foods That Help Prevent Tooth Decay
