Keeping your teeth consistently clean and healthy isn’t complicated, but the level of consistency required to make it effective can make it seem tedious. Because of this, many people might be surprised to learn that healthy teeth actually have several natural defense mechanisms designed to help them fight off common concerns like cavities. The less-obvious point of a good dental hygiene routine is to boost your teeth’s natural defenses against cavities and improve their chances of remaining strong and healthy for life.

How cavities form in your teeth

A cavity forms in your tooth when certain types of harmful oral bacteria infect its natural structure. The cavity, or hole, that results is caused by the erosion of the tooth’s heathy structure, but it begins with a less obvious buildup of oral bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth. When they get strong enough, these bacteria can produce enough acids to weaken and compromise your tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of your tooth and its most resilient substance. Keeping your tooth enamel resilient and avoiding its erosion by oral bacteria are the keys to preventing the formation of tooth decay and a cavity.

Your teeth’s natural defense mechanisms

The enamel that surrounds your healthy teeth is the most resilient substance that your body produces. It’s made almost entirely out of unique mineral strands, and maintaining the integrity of these strands requires a steady supply of minerals from your teeth. This is essential due to the fact that oral bacteria constantly accumulate on your tooth enamel, and it needs more minerals to replenish itself after being weakened by the acids these bacteria release. To aid your teeth in fighting these substances, your saliva also provides a natural defense. Made mostly of water, saliva effectively rinses away bacteria and food particles that build up on your teeth’s surfaces throughout the day.

Keeping your teeth naturally resilient

Healthy tooth enamel and a consistent flow of saliva are two of your teeth’s most important defenses. Therefore, it’s important to focus your dental hygiene routine on keeping your teeth consistently clean, and be mindful of staying properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Also, limiting the frequency with which you eat or drink, especially sugary foods and beverages, will limit the bioactivity of the bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids.

Learn how to prevent cavities better

Your teeth have natural defense mechanisms that help them prevent things like cavities. However, they need your consistent attention for those defenses to stay strong and effective. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.