The human mouth is full of bacteria and a bite from a human is the most dangerous bite, other than a venomous bite, than from any other animal. Unfortunately, some of these bacteria cause dental decay.

          Dental decay happens when food sticks to the surface a tooth and bacteria feast on the attached food. The bacteria make acids as they digest the food on the tooth and the acid dissolves the surface of the tooth.

          Brushing and flossing removes the food that the bacteria eat. This prevents the formation of dental decay by preventing the formation of acids. That is why it is important to brush and floss every time you eat so that the food you eat never has much time to stick onto your teeth. The more sticky a food is the more this food is able to stick to a tooth and cause dental decay. Mouthwashes can help remove food but they can never replace regular brushing and flossing.

          Dental decay has decreased in the past thirty years thanks to the addition of fluoride in public drinking water. The fluoride becomes part of a child's teeth as they form. Many parents who love and care for their children install filters that remove the fluoride from their children's drinking water. As a result, many of these children later end up with a number of cavities.

          Prior to the addition of fluoride to drinking water many Atlanta children commonly had fillings in almost every one of their back teeth. This especially effected poor children whose parents couldn't afford to save their children's teeth. Although some people are concerned about the effects of fluoride, there are literally thousands of children today with beautiful untouched teeth and all of them. If you have a dental problem and would like to visit with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call  404-874-7428.