Why do you still have cavities after brushing your teeth every day? Why do cavities still come knocking on your door when you brush your teeth every day? Is the 'posture' of brushing teeth incorrect, or does the 'opening method' of moth prevention need improvement? What are the overlooked details between teeth cleaning and cavity prevention? September 20th this year is the 37th National Love Teeth Day. Our reporter interviewed Professor Zhao Yuan, the chief physician of the Department of Dentistry and Endodontics at Lanzhou University Stomatological Hospital, and her team to analyze the tips for protecting teeth and preventing cavities, from the causes of tooth decay, brushing methods to scientific protection. Recognizing that bacteria causing tooth decay and acid production are the "culprits" and "Mom, toothache! ”Not long ago, 5-year-old Mengmeng covered her cheeks and cried uncontrollably. Her parent, Ms. Wu, felt both heartbroken and confused: "Why does a child still develop cavities when they brush their teeth every day?" In fact, many adults also have the same problem - even though they insist on brushing their teeth, they still cannot escape the invasion of cavities. Zhao Yuan introduced that what people often refer to as "tooth decay" is called "tooth decay" in the field of dentistry. It is not a process of teeth being "bitten by insects", but a chemical corrosion process dominated by bacteria. The appearance of dental caries cannot be separated from the influence of dental plaque. ”Zhao Yuan introduced that dental plaque is a biofilm composed of bacteria, food residues, and saliva. The bacteria inside will use food residues to ferment and produce acidic substances, gradually corroding the hard tissues such as enamel on the outer layer of teeth. Over time, it can lead to demineralization of teeth, collapse of hard tissue structures, and the formation of visible cavities. The incidence rate of tooth decay is high, and it is one of the common oral diseases. Its causes are diverse, including poor oral hygiene, poor eating habits, etc. In addition, the innate structure of teeth and the quality of saliva can also affect the probability of tooth decay, such as deep tooth grooves that are prone to hiding bacteria; Insufficient mineralization of dental enamel makes it more susceptible to acid corrosion; Insufficient saliva secretion or abnormal composition can weaken oral self-cleaning ability and increase the risk of tooth decay. It is worth noting that many people think that only eating sugar can cause tooth decay, but in fact, many 'invisible pushers' should also be vigilant. ”Zhao Yuan specifically reminds that refined carbohydrates such as biscuits and bread are easily broken down by bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. In addition, acidic beverages not only corrode tooth enamel themselves, but also create an acidic environment for bacteria - the risk of tooth decay brought by these foods is no less than that of sweets. Brushing teeth is not a universal method that is only effective when used correctly. Since the interaction between bacteria and food residues to produce acid is the main cause, why can't brushing teeth every day prevent it? Regarding this, Guo Yaping, a member of Zhao Yuan's team and attending physician of the Department of Dentistry and Endodontics at Lanzhou University Stomatological Hospital, gave the answer: "Teeth are not flat. If brushing is not thorough, food residues will still stubbornly remain in difficult to clean corners such as gaps and grooves, continuously providing energy for bacteria." In addition, some people are born with low saliva secretion, slow flow rate, and weak oral self-cleaning ability. Even if they brush their teeth frequently, bacteria are prone to grow; Some people have special dietary habits, often eating sweets and drinking carbonated drinks, which is equivalent to constantly "feeding" acid producing raw materials to bacteria. These problems cannot be completely solved by simply brushing teeth. More importantly, the brushing method directly affects the cleaning effect. Wrong brushing methods, such as long-term horizontal 'sawing' brushing, not only have low cleaning efficiency, but may also wear down enamel, damage gums, and even create 'wedge-shaped defects' in the neck of the teeth, creating new breakthroughs for bacterial erosion, "said Gou Yaping. So, what is the correct way to brush teeth? She recommends the Babbitt brushing method. Holding a toothbrush, tilt it at a 45 degree angle and lean it against the junction of teeth and gums, allowing some bristles to enter the gingival sulcus and some to stick to the edge of the gums, gently shaking. When brushing the inside of the front teeth, you can stand the toothbrush upright and use the front of the brush head to clean, ensuring that every tooth surface is taken care of. Gou Yaping also suggests brushing for no less than 3 minutes each time and rinsing with warm water to reduce irritation to the teeth and gums. Regarding the frequency of brushing teeth, "brushing once in the morning and once in the evening is the foundation, and brushing before going to bed at night is particularly necessary to remove accumulated dental plaque for a day." Gou Yaping emphasized that it is not recommended to brush teeth immediately after meals, as the oral pH value is acidic and the enamel is relatively fragile. It is best to wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the pH value returns to normal before brushing. If it is inconvenient to brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, or use dental floss or a toothbrush to clean the gaps between your teeth, which can also reduce the risk of tooth decay. Regarding the choice between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes, Gou Yaping believes that "under the premise of correct use, electric toothbrushes have higher efficiency in removing dental plaque, but the core lies in the brushing method rather than the tool. When used correctly, manual toothbrushes can also achieve good cleaning. The choice of toothpaste also affects the anti cavity effect. She said, "Choosing fluoride toothpaste can enhance the acid resistance of dental enamel." Professional measures to prevent tooth decay cannot do without Zhao Yuan's team member and resident physician of the Department of Dental Endodontics at Lanzhou University Stomatological Hospital, Jin Wei. Brushing teeth can only clean about 65% of the surface area of the teeth. To comprehensively prevent cavities, professional protective measures are also needed. Sealing the ditch is the 'first line of defense'. Groove is a small groove on the chewing surface of teeth that is uneven and narrow in shape, making it difficult for toothbrush bristles to penetrate deeply. Jin Wei introduced that using groove sealer to fill these grooves can prevent food residue and bacteria from hiding. This method can effectively prevent pit and fissure caries, especially suitable for children's newly sprouted permanent teeth. Fluoride has a wider range of applications for preventing dental caries. Fluoride can enhance the acid resistance of teeth, and common methods include using fluoride toothpaste, professional fluoride treatment, etc. "Jin Wei said that fluoride application can form a protective film on the surface of teeth, inhibit bacterial acid production, and enhance tooth anti caries ability. Generally, it is done every 3 to 6 months. When used in conjunction with fluoride toothpaste, the anti moth effect is better. Regular oral examinations are an important 'firewall'. With the development of modern medicine, medical institutions are usually able to detect early signs of dental caries in a timely manner. Even if there are no obvious symptoms, they can diagnose them and take treatment measures such as filling teeth to prevent further deterioration of dental caries. Jin Wei suggested that it is recommended to have a check-up every six months to one year, not only to see the teeth, but also to evaluate the overall environment such as oral flora and saliva secretion, in order to reduce the risk of tooth decay from the source. A common misconception is that if teeth don't hurt, there won't be cavities. The development of tooth decay is gradual. In the early stages, only the enamel layer is destroyed, and the dental nerves have not been stimulated, so there is generally no pain sensation, "Jin Wei said. Children with low mineralization and deep grooves in their baby teeth have a sweet tooth preference and low self-cleaning ability, making them a high-risk group for tooth decay. Jin Wei suggests that parents should help or supervise their children brushing their teeth before the age of 6 to ensure proper cleanliness; Timely perform pit and fissure closure after the eruption of primary and permanent molars; Control the intake of sweets and fruit juice, and eat more fiber rich vegetables and fruits. As people age, their gums gradually shrink, leading to exposed tooth roots. However, the dental bone on the surface of the tooth root has weak anti caries ability and is prone to root caries. Elderly people can use their fingers or specialized gum massagers to gently massage their gums, promote blood circulation, and enhance gum resistance. Jin Wei reminds us to avoid hard and sticky foods in our diet, and to consume more calcium and phosphorus rich foods such as milk and soy products to strengthen our teeth. To prevent tooth decay from taking advantage of loopholes, some early signals should be known. When chalky or yellow brown spots appear on the surface of teeth, it may be early tooth decay, which is caused by demineralization leading to a change in enamel color, "Jin Wei said. In addition, feeling rough and uneven when licking teeth with the tongue, or experiencing brief soreness when eating hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods, are also manifestations of enamel damage. Once the above symptoms are detected, seek medical attention as soon as possible. ”Jin Wei emphasized that early tooth decay only affects enamel, and measures such as fluoride coating and improving oral hygiene can help to remineralize teeth and prevent deeper cavities; If it develops to the dentin layer or even the pulp cavity, it requires dental filling and root canal treatment, which not only suffers but also increases treatment costs. In short, although tooth decay is common, it is not impossible to prevent. ”Zhao Yuan stated that as long as we understand the causes of tooth decay, master the correct brushing methods and oral care knowledge, regularly undergo oral examinations, and intervene in a timely manner when problems are discovered, we can truly bid farewell to the problem of "daily brushing and tooth decay" and have a healthy and good set of teeth. (New Society)