According to the latest research by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey before the pandemic, dental caries is seen as the most common oral health problem in the world. Tooth decay is expressed as a disease that can cause pain, infection and tooth loss as well as disrupting the structure of the teeth. One of the main causes of dental caries is bacterial plaque that accumulates on the teeth. These plaques feed on sugar in food and drink and produce acids that damage tooth enamel. Experts draw attention to issues such as oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, fluoride use and regular visits to the dentist to prevent tooth decay.
“Take care of oral hygiene”
While 60 to 90 percent of school-aged children and nearly all adults have dental caries, about 65 percent of people aged 74-30 do not have natural teeth. “To prevent tooth decay, it is necessary to brush the teeth at least twice a day. In addition, it is very important to use an interface brush or dental floss,” said Dt. Fırat Toktamışoğlu added the following:
“Taking attention to oral hygiene protects both your dental health and your overall health. Cleaning your teeth regularly reduces plaque formation and strengthens tooth enamel. It also prevents unpleasant situations such as bad breath. According to the data of the World Health Organization, more than a third of the world's population lives with tooth decay. The easiest way to prevent this problem is to take care of oral hygiene.”
“Adopting healthy eating habits protects against tooth decay”
Emphasizing that it is necessary to limit sugary foods and drinks, or to give up completely if possible, Dt. Fırat Toktamışoğlu said, “Sugar in food and beverages is an important factor in the formation of dental caries. Sugary foods and drinks cause bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. This weakens the tooth enamel. Implementing a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and protein, drinking plenty of water and reducing sugar consumption is one of the important steps to be taken. Because sugar consumption is one of the main risk factors for dental caries.
“Fluoride can be used by following the doctor's recommendations”
Fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects teeth from decay, is found in some drinking water, toothpaste and oral care products. Noting that in some cases dentists may also recommend additional fluoride applications such as fluoride gel or varnish, Dt., one of the Founders of Dent Official. Fırat Toktamışoğlu said the following about the importance of fluoride:
“Fluoride is one of the most effective substances in the prevention of dental caries. It has also been scientifically proven that the use of fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of tooth decay. Because fluoride provides remineralization of tooth enamel and increases its resistance to acids. I recommend using fluoride-containing products regularly and following the advice of dentists.”
Stating that regular dentist checks are one of the best ways to protect oral health, Dt. Fırat Toktamışoğlu said, “Dentist can diagnose dental caries or other problems early by performing an oral examination and offer appropriate treatment to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to go to a doctor's control at least twice a year," he said.