Kimberly Powers, age 11, of Colorado Springs, Colo., for her question:
HOW DOES A TOOTH CAVITY START?
Like other organs of the body, teeth are intended to last a lifetime. With the proper care, there's no reason why you'll ever need false ones to take the place of your present
set. Brushing regularly to clean all surfaces is important to control cavities, just as is a regular schedule of visits to the dentist.
Many dentists recommend you brush the way your teeth grow: up on the lower teeth and down on the uppers. What does your dentist suggest?
Did you know that 98 percent of all Americans suffer from tooth decay at some time during their lifetimes? Next to common colds, cavities of the teeth seem to be man's most frequent health problem.
Cavities, or caries as they are more scientifically called, start in the tooth enamel. Unless treated, the decay spreads to the softer, ivory like substance called the dentin which forms the body of the tooth. Still longer delay in treatment can cause the decay to spread to the pulp and tooth nerve area. Then loss of a tooth is possible.
Evidence seems to prove that cavities result from action of certain bacteria that are always found in the mouth. The bacteria works on fermentable carbohydrates, chiefly sugar. It produces acids that can dissolve teeth.
Whether the acids formed in the mouth by bacteria action can destroy tooth enamel depends on the strength of the acids and the length of time it is in contact with the tooth. Many experts feel that most damage is done during the first 15 minutes after sweets have been eaten.
Some medical people have suggested that tooth decay can also be caused by emotional problems or malnutrition, although there is no complete scientific evidence to back up these theories.
Regular checkups are important for the control of tooth cavities. With frequent visits to the dentist, treatment can
be made early. A decayed tooth cannot repair itself. The tooth can be restored only by removing the decayed part and putting a filling into its place. Restoring the tooth this way doesn't cause too much discomfort since dentists these days seem to work most painlessly.
Many have suggested that a way to prevent tooth decay is by what you don't eat, rather than what you do eat. The right kind of diet is certainly important for general health care, and therefore important for dental care, too. But the experts suggest we cut down on candy, cookies, cake and sweetened drinks as a way to better our chances for keeping healthy teeth.
Fluoridation of drinking water is also recommended by many experts as a way of reducing today's high rate of tooth decay.