Science Fair Projects Research
Prevnetion of Tooth Decay

Tasmiha
Age: 16
Illinois, USA

The saliva in the mouth actually helps prevent plaque, which helps prevent tooth decay. Dentists often suggest eating sugarless gum because it helps stimulate the flow of saliva. However, the best way to prevent tooth decay would be to brush and floss regularly.

Making sure to brush places that are hard to reach is important. Changing the toothbrush every few weeks is a great factor too. It is important because if one is infected with tooth decay, eventually gets rid of it and uses the same brush, may get infected again. The places where a cavity is most likely to occur are in the surfaces, teeth next to each other, cracks in the "chewing" surface of teeth, and in the gum line References on Traumatized Teeth - (Peterson, D. 1998-2004, [Online]).

One can also use toothpastes and mouthwashes that have fluoride and drink fluoridated water. Conversely, too much fluoride can be detrimental because this can lead to fluorosis, which is a common side effect for using an excessive amount of fluorine.

Perhaps the best way to prevent tooth decay is to control what one is eating, that way one will not have trouble worrying whether or not they have an ample intake of sugar.

One can also ask their dentists to provide sealants, which are plastic coverings for teeth that provide a barrier so that it protects the teeth from the food. That way, the occurrence of having many cavities will decrease. It is very vital for everyone to go to his or her dentists because if left neglected, it can lead to a worse situation. That can lead to root canal infection, permanent corrosion even loss of the tooth itself References on Traumatized Teeth - (Silverstein, 1999 p.32).

Now that you have read about prevention of tooth decay, let's find out about the diseases, starting with gingivitis.