To understand the importance of preventive dentistry, we need to understand what dentists are trying to prevent.
Your dentist can save the torment of pain and tooth loss. With the cooperation of the patient, the specialist tries to counteract the effects of plaque, a thin film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth.
Bacteria multiply feed and food particles that convert sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel. Finally, degradation occurs when the core porous enamel and causes a cavity or hole. At this stage there is no discomfort, but when the infection reaches the tooth pulp cavity usually has a sharp pain.
Bacteria form plaque another way to torment us. If not removed , either by brushing , plaque hardens into a calcified deposit called calculus, or tartar , which can cause gums to swell forming a hole in that accumulate food debris , a feast for bacteria that can infected gums.
You can control this with the dentist, but if treatment is not sought, the tissue that supports the teeth may become so damaged that fall .Thus get more teeth are lost due to this decomposition.
Saliva provides some protection from this double attack of bacteria. Be it took a full meal or just a sweet snack saliva takes time, from 3:45 p.m. to remove food particles and to neutralize the acids present in dental plaque. The amount of time depends on how much sugar or food scraps were bonded to the teeth.
The extent of damage is dependent on the amount of sugar ingested but the frequency of meals and snacks are made fresh. Because the flow of saliva decreases during sleep, one of the most destructive things you can do to your teeth is to go to bed without brushing after eating sugary foods and drinks.
Even more than that, it is said that chewing sugar-free gum after meals increases saliva flow and helps protect teeth.