The Truth About Tooth Decay

Scott Chanin, DMD, FAGD

TOOTH TRUTH
Teeth have a protective outer layer called enamel. This layer is harder than bone and protects the
tooth like a helmet.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Avoid acidic, sour or sweet foods and drinks, which can eat away at the enamel on your teeth

TOOTH TRUTH
Cavities (or decay) are caused by bacteria. Without intervention, bacteria in the mouth will double
every five hours.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Brush at least twice a day to clean the bacteria off the teeth and tongue.

TOOTH TRUTH
Bacteria eat sugar.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Avoid diets high in sugar, which increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

TOOTH TRUTH
As bacteria eat, they produce acid that breaks down the enamel in a process called demineralization
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Use fluoride toothpastes, which can help reverse some of the damage.

TOOTH TRUTH
If you can catch a cavity early, before it breaks through the hard enamel, it is much easier to prevent
more serious problems.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Getting regular checkups (at least twice a year) helps make sure you catch these problems early
before anything bad happens.Get your exam and cleaning today. Regular examinations will help prevent tooth decay and dental disease. Contact Diamond Dental Associates and Dr. Chanin will set up a plan to help you prevent dental disease from affecting your beautiful smile.

908-838-0004 | Diamonddentalassociates.com