The month of October always brings Halloween treats and plenty of CANDY! But....that candy can play nasty tricks on your teeth. Fortunatley, October is also National Dental Hygiene Month, with reminders about the importance of taking good care of our teeth. How much do you know about tooth decay and cavities that can ruin your bright smile?QUESTION: How long does it take for bacteria to start reacting to the food residue that is left on your teeth after you eat?
ANSWER: The California Dental Association informs us that is only takes 5 minutes for bacteria to begin digesting that food residue, breaking it down and forming acid that will begin to destroy the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Once the acid breaks through the enamel, the minerals inside your teeth will be dissolved and cavities will form.
QUESTION: Can you stop a cavity that has already begun destroying one of your teeth?ANSWER: No!!! The cavity will continue to grow bigger and deeper, unless it is repaired by a dentist. According to the California Dental Association:
"Tooth decay is an infection that will not heal without treatment. Children with cavities eat poorly, stop smiling and don't learn properly."
For more information about healthy teeth, visit the October "On the Path to Good Health" exhibit in Youth Services, supported by Kaiser Permanente and the Library Foundation and Friends.
posted by jtb
