Teeth are composed of three layers - enamel, dentine and pulp. There is a colony of bacteria present in the oral cavity which coats the teeth with a fine film known as plaque. Food particles that get accumulated between the teeth every time we eat, gets converted into lactic acid by the bacteria and plaque present in the oral cavity. This acid, in turn acts on the enamel and dentine and dissolves it, creating a cavity. Sometimes the plaque also gets converted into a hard tartar, leading to gum inflammation or gingivitis. It is highly important to take good care of your teeth by sticking a good dental hygiene routine and consuming a healthy diet to avoid getting cavities and other infections of the gums and teeth.
In order to remove the plaque properly from your teeth and avoid dental decay and caries, brush your teeth twice a day, using a good toothbrush with preferably soft bristles that will not hurt your gums. After brushing you should gently massage your gums with your fingers to increase blood circulation in the gums. It is also important to clean your tongue properly using a tongue cleaner and to rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash or Listerine. Apart from a good dental hygiene routine, you should also have a healthy and balanced diet to avoid dental problems. You should avoid carbonated drinks, sweetened fruit drinks and sugary snack foods with high levels of sugar and starches which lead to dental decay. Instead you should try and increase the Fluoride, found in natural foods and water, since it helps to fight tooth decay and can reduce the rate of cavities. Opt for fresh fruits, instead of dry fruits which are highly acidic in nature and contain high levels of simple sugar. Chewing on fresh fruits stimulates the flow of saliva in your mouth, another important tool in fighting tooth decay. It is equally important to keep your gums healthy and free of disease by consuming plenty of Vitamin C and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent sore and inflamed gums or build-up of plaque. Other foods good for the teeth include: fresh fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A and C, calcium rich foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. Raw foods such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and millet contain a high level of calcium and Vitamin A and help to fight tooth decay. Similarly parsley, beet, turnip, radish and carrots help to keep your teeth healthy. You can also chew on neem sticks, rich in chlorophyll, to keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities.
answered by G R