Simply filling cavities caused by decay won’t fix the underlying problem.
There are a few myths about oral health that you should be aware of. Photo: ShutterstockThis article is the second of a four-part series to keep you informed of the different aspects of oral health. In the coming weeks, we will publish articles that will help you further deepen your understanding of oral health, dental fillings, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and the importance of regular visits to the dentist. Stay tuned!
Maintaining good oral health is a lifelong journey filled with many challenges. However, the most essential safeguards for our oral health are the professionals: dentists and dental hygienists.
Regular dental check-ups are the foundation of holistic oral health regimes. Equipped with years of professional training and experience, dental health professionals are our indispensable partners in the lifelong pursuit of oral health.
But first, let’s look at one widely spread myth: that a dental filling cures tooth decay. Simply filling cavities caused by tooth decay is a temporary fix. The filled tooth remains at risk of decay if the root cause isn’t addressed.
Meanwhile, brushing and cleaning your teeth at home won’t keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. While it is important to brush twice a day and floss daily, you need to get your teeth scaled – professionally cleaned – too. Dental care professionals recommend these preventive measures, which are key to thorough dental cleaning.
Going beyond straight, white teeth: good oral health is only a few easy steps away
Remember, tooth decay and gum disease can exist without any signs or symptoms. We can’t assess the risks by ourselves. When visible signs of dental problems emerge, it’s already too late.
Regular visits to the dentist allow them to examine our teeth and gums thoroughly with professional equipment. They can accurately and precisely assess our oral condition to identify any problems.
Dentists inform us of our oral health status and potential risks to our teeth and gums, correct any problems found and help prevent future issues. In addition, comprehensive teeth scaling and oral health advice provided by clinic professionals help ensure our teeth and gums stay healthy.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that, when combined with food, form acids in the oral cavity. Over time, acids start to eat away our teeth. Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria; in other words, when bacteria adhere to a tooth, they naturally form layers, and these layers of bacteria are called plaque.
When dentists identify tooth decay, they will perform a dental filling. However, it’s important to understand that filling and scaling are dental treatments but do not eliminate the potential risks.
Filling a decayed tooth stops further damage, but if proper oral health measures are not adopted, decay can develop around an existing filling. This often results from inadequate oral hygiene and dietary habits like frequent snacking and drinking sugary beverages. When decay builds up around a filling, the tooth’s structural integrity will be further weakened, potentially requiring more extensive and invasive dental treatments.
To help deepen your understanding of oral health, SCMP Young Post is organising the “Brush Up Your Creativity! Oral Health English Writing Competition” under the full support of the Oral Health Promotion Division of the Department of Health. This competition also presents a great opportunity to share innovative oral health ideas while showcasing your writing skills. Visit the link here to find out more details about the competition.
The Oral Health Promotion Division aims at promoting oral health to the public and facilitating the proper use of oral healthcare services.