TARTAR-AND-PLAQUE
Back Teeth Cavities and Plaque Bacteria
Causes of Back Teeth Cavities
Where Are Plaque Bacteria
Preventing Back Teeth Cavities
We all know that a thorough oral care routine of brushing twice and flossing at least once daily is crucial to our oral health. However, getting to those back teeth can be tricky. The right brush and flossing tool can help ensure you don’t develop back teeth cavities, keep your mouth healthy, and your smile plaque-free.
Causes of Back Teeth Cavities
Not brushing every zone of your mouth leaves you vulnerable to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. The hardest area to clean? Your back teeth. Called molars, the back teeth are responsible for grinding food down when chewing. Because of this primary responsibility, the back teeth are in constant contact with food particles every time we eat.
Not properly flossing and brushing this area of the mouth leads to plaque buildup, a process where bacteria converts the sugars and starches from food into plaque within just twenty minutes. As plaque bacteria accumulates, it can lead to tooth decay in the form of a cavity.
What Are Plaque Bacteria
When plaque takes root, it exposes your teeth to enamel loss, gingivitis, and ultimately, decay. When not properly removed, plaque then forms into tartar, a substance that expedites bacterial growth and decay, and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Preventing Back Teeth Cavities
A thorough oral hygiene routine is key in keeping your back teeth intact and devoid of decay. A few helpful steps you can take include:
- Switch to an electric toothbrush to better clean the back of the mouth
- Brush twice a day with a stannous fluoride toothpaste, like Crest Gum Detoxify—it can help detoxify your gum line by neutralizing harmful bacteria
- Be sure to floss at least once a day, with attention given to your back teeth
- Strengthen weakened enamel with a fluoride mouthwash
- See your dental professional twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings
In addition to facilitating a better oral care routine, you can help keep cavities from forming by limiting your sugar and starch intake. A healthy, balanced diet packed with greens can significantly improve not just your oral health but your overall health as well.
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