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Smooth Surface Tooth Decay-Facts and Prevention

Smooth surface decay usually occurs in two places:

• On the surfaces in between the teeth (where you floss)
• Along the gumline on the front surfaces of the teeth

This kind of decay is almost always related to poor oral hygiene or frequent sugar consumption (often both!)  The good news is. . .it is preventable with two steps!

1. Better oral hygiene-Brush and floss to keep the plaque off the teeth

• Plaque is the white, sticky film that you can remove by brushing and flossing.  Do your teeth feel "fuzzy?" That's plaque that needs to be brushed off.
• There are bacteria in the plaque which feed on sugars in your food and drink.  When they eat the sugars, they produce acid as a waste product.  It is this acid which causes tooth decay by breaking down the hard, mineral structure of the tooth.
• If you do a good job removing plaque daily from all the surfaces, you can practically eliminate your chance of getting decay on the smooth surfaces.

2. Reduce sugar consumption

• As mentioned above, sugar is the fuel for the tooth decay fire.  If you eat less sugar, you will also reduce your chance of smooth surface decay.
• If you do eat sugar, that's ok.  Just brush your teeth afterward.  The key is not to let the acids build up in your mouth.  If you're away from home, at least rinse with water to cut down acid production.
• Another important point that most people don't understand is that it is the frequency of sugar intake that is most damaging.  The following behaviors are the kiss of death-they will cause decay!
• Sipping on sugar soft drinks over long periods of time
• Eating sugar mints, sugar gum (Use sugarless)

Oral hygiene and controlling sugar intake are especially important if you have a dry mouth.  Dry mouth can be due to medications, cancer therapy, or other causes. If you have a dry mouth, you should never suck on sugary mints or gum to keep your mouth moist.  Use sugarless instead and rinse with water often.

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