mum
March 29, 2024

Cavities never sleep: how to prevent them?

For a long time, we have known the importance of being in good health and we pay more and more attention to it. This also applies to our teeth and brushing is essential to prevent cavities. Because caries affects everyone: men, women, children, teens, old and young ...
... Throughout our lives, this threat is waiting for us because the enamel of our teeth is threatened by the bacteria present in our mouth, by our behavioral habits and food. Cavity can occur on the tooth of milk or the definitive tooth. It is important to make this clear because 64% of French people think that caries concern above all the under-19s and 47% consider that it is the under-12s who are primarily affected

What is a decay?

Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious disease. It results from the transformation of sugars into acids by the action of certain bacteria present in the oral environment. These acids attack the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel, dentin, cementum), demineralise them and create cavities which, if the carious lesions are not intercepted, reach and cross the dentine, until reaching the dental pulp, where circulate nerves and blood vessels.

What can cause cavities?

- Some cariogenic bacteria, that is to say that can synthesize sugars to secrete acidic substances that attack the hard tissue of the tooth, starting with enamel.

- Diet is a key factor since sugars are the main fuel for cariogenic bacteria

- Two elements also have a great influence on the risk of cavities. On the one hand, the resistance of the hard tissues of the tooth to acid attacks varies from one individual to another and over the course of life. On the other hand, saliva plays a key role in the permanent balance between the phases of loss and renewal of mineral substances.

- The general state of health

- Pathologies whose medications affect the salivary start

- The socio-economic level

- Wearing an orthodontic appliance

Good prevention: what is it?

- Regular visit to the dentist.

- Brushing at least twice a day (17% of French people say they brush their teeth once a day: more than one in four men and one in ten women).

- To have a hygiene oral care, you have to choose a good toothpaste and change your toothbrush regularly. Indeed, brushing teeth must be accompanied by a fluoride toothpaste.

Read on!

According to the interviewees, the regular renewal of the toothbrush is quite well acquired for 71% of French people, who say they renew it at least every two months. One in five people change it every six months ... and 2% keep it for more than a year. The toothbrush needs to be changed 4 to 5 times a year.

When to start brushing?

From the youngest age ! But still ... As soon as baby has his first baby teeth, we can start brushing without toothpaste. It will be necessary to use the toothpaste towards two years. You should know that there are toothbrushes and toothpastes for all ages. For example, the Elmex range offers toothpastes for children from 0 to 6 years old and from 7 to 12 years old. There are also toothbrushes for 0-3 year olds, 3-6 year olds and 6-12 year olds.

 

The decay never sleeps

Cavities and their complications represent the first dental pathology in France. Everyone is concerned with decay and at any age. According to the Haute Autorité de Santé, less than 30% of children under 12 have at least one carious tooth to treat. We reach 50% among 12-15 year olds but also against all expectations 44% of adults ... almost as much as among teens and more than in those under 12 years old. Finally 37% of the elderly are affected.

A pathology that has not been eradicated in France

In France, studies have shown a decrease in the prevalence of tooth decay. However, this pathology and its medical complications remain frequent, especially in certain populations recognized as being "at high risk to decay": dependent elderly people, people with disabilities, populations in socio-economic disadvantages.

 

Survey requested by Gaba laboratories at the Viavoice Sounding Institute.



What Really Causes Cavities? (March 2024)