The mouth is the first stop on the digestive path, and it is where the teeth and tongue begin the process of condensing food into manageable portions that are easy to swallow. Teeth are made of multiple layers of strong tissues that protect the underlying nerves, but these complex structures are highly vulnerable to attack from plaque. Brushing and flossing your teeth routinely can help you to remove plaque-building debris and maintain healthy teeth that can handle the breakdown of solid foods.
Food Consumption
As an infant, your diet consisted of liquids and puréed foods. These liquefied substances were capable of traveling down the throat without causing damage. Solid foods must be softened and broken down to smaller pieces. When you accidentally swallow a piece of food that is too large or has sharp edges, such as a potato chip, you may feel pressure inside your throat. A drink of water is usually capable of dissolving the food and washing it down to the esophagus. Teeth are the tools that normally prevent oversized matter from entering the throat. Teeth mash and chew solid food as it mixes with saliva and digestive enzymes to produce a malleable substance.
Tooth Decay
The core of a tooth, or pulp, is a collection of blood vessels and nerves covered by a layer of hard tissue known as dentine. Above the dentine layer, the tooth is reinforced by enamel and cementum, that latter of which protects the fibers that attach the teeth to your gums. After every meal, food residue collects in the most vulnerable areas of the mouth, such as the gum line and along the back molars, where it is combined with bacteria and saliva to form plaque. Due to its acidic properties, plaque irritates the gums and wears down the enamel of your teeth, forming cavities. Without proper cleaning, tooth decay can progress to other layers of the tooth, eventually compromising the foundations and causing its roots to detach from the gums.
Risk Factors
The long-term effects of decay include abscesses, halitosis, gingivitis, infection and loss of teeth. Despite the seriousness of tooth decay, it is more prevalent than any other disorder except the common cold, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. Your diet and hygiene can significantly contribute to the development of oral diseases. Regular consumption of foods high in refined sugar and starch can lead to rapid growth of plaque and tartar, as these substances are ideal for bacteria to feed on. Conditions that cause vomiting and acid reflux affect the health of your teeth and gums, eroding the sensitive surfaces with stomach acid. Infrequent brushing, worn fillings and dry mouth can also create an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish in your mouth, the Mayo Clinic points out.
Maintenance
Adults who have lost a significant portion of their teeth and have serious dental disorders are sometimes limited to a liquid diet. Even when teeth are not lost, tooth decay can cause severe sensitivity and pain, preventing you from eating crunchy or chewy foods. You can prevent long-term damage to your teeth by brushing teeth at least twice a day to combat plaque buildup. Foods that are healthy for your body, such as complex carbohydrates, also cause less damage to your teeth. Avoid excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and limit snacking in between meals. Take pro-active approach for maintaining your teeth by scheduling regular appointments with a dentist for cleanings, fluoride treatments, and other preventive measures.
