Tooth Decay Prevention

At Braceland Orthodontists, we work hard to provide high-quality orthodontic care to families across the North Scarborough area. Our orthodontist, Dr. Markin, and his highly-trained staff want to make every patient feel at home in our offices.

We have years of experience working with patients of all ages and with every kind of orthodontic need. Our mission is to help people develop beautiful, healthy smiles—and that means taking an active stance on tooth decay prevention.

What Causes Tooth Decay? 

Your mouth is a dynamically balanced ecosystem filled with living bacteria—both the good and bad kind. While many types of bacteria benefit your teeth and mouth, others break down the sugars and carbohydrates in food and turn them into acids that eat away at tooth enamel and cause decay. What dental professionals want is to keep those harmful bacteria in check, allowing the beneficial bacteria and other biological factors like saliva to strengthen and clean your teeth.

A Common, But Preventable Problem

 Tooth decay is one of the most common human diseases, second only to the common cold! Without effective treatment, tooth decay can lead to pain, tooth loss, and sometimes even worse illnesses. According to a study conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), every year an average of 19,000 children undergo some form of dental surgery to fix the negative effects of decay. Additionally, a survey conducted by Toronto Public Health showed that early tooth decay in young children has risen to 11.6%. Thankfully, tooth decay is highly preventable.

What Can You Do?

There's no single "magic bullet" to stop tooth decay, but using a combination of preventive techniques can keep tooth decay at bay. At the most basic level, a consistent routine of brushing and flossing your teeth at home combined with regular cleanings at a dentist's office can help prevent decay. But that's just the beginning of the prevention process. In addition to these basic elements, it's important that you watch your:

• Diet: Foods that are high in sugar or acids can eat away at tooth enamel, and colored drinks like soda and coffee can stain teeth. It's important to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet in order to ensure proper dental health.

• Brushing Technique: While brushing your teeth is important, equally as important is how you brush your teeth, especially while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment. Make sure you cover all areas, including uneven surfaces, and utilize our orthodontist's recommended best practices for brushing and flossing your teeth.

• Supplementary Treatments: Treatments like dental sealants can also help prevent tooth decay. 

Contact Your North Scarborough Orthodontist Today 

If you have any questions about preventing tooth decay, we'd be happy to answer them. Feel free to call our North Scarborough office at (416) 497-2122. You can also reach out to us via our appointment request form. We can't wait to hear from you and look forward to helping you develop a beautiful, healthy smile!