Researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland have found that digested coconut oil inhibits the growth of common bacteria that cause tooth decay and could be an effective alternative to chemical additives in dental hygiene products. Coconut oil is not the only food product to have exhibited antibacterial properties in a partially digested form.
It's pretty easy to see why the term "cavity," which means a hole, has come into usage. The same can be said for the term "decay," which makes reference to the destructive (decaying) aspect of this disease. Why the word "caries" is used may not be so obvious. Most of a tooth's visible surface (and possibly even 100% of what you see) is covered by enamel. Every part of a tooth that has a white appearance is enamel.
Researchers now want to look at how coconut oil interacts with Streptococcus bacteria at the molecular level and which other strains of harmful bacteria it can inhibit. "Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations," Brady said in the statement. "Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection." ou may also use an electric toothbrush that has been given the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. Studies show that powered toothbrushes with a rotating and oscillating (back-and-forth) action are more effective at cleaning teeth than are other toothbrushes, including other powered toothbrushes
Eating a diet rich in sugar and starch increases the risk of tooth decay, and sticky foods can be a particular problem because they are more likely to remain on the surface of the teeth. t is thought that tooth decay only became a widespread problem with the establishment of sugar plantations in the 18th century, and worsened with the subsequent widespread cultivation of sugar beet in Europe.
When a radiograph ("
x-rays") is taken, the mineral content contained in a tooth's tissues will block some of the radiation that's aimed through it. The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
Although widespread, tooth decay is one of the most preventable health conditions. As long as you look after your teeth well and visit your dentist regularly, you should be able to prevent tooth decay.
