Cavity Prevention Advice for Everyone

Neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to serious repercussions for not just your oral health, but for your overall physical health as well. Tooth decay and cavities increase your risk of developing serious illnesses. This makes establishing good oral hygiene habits an imperative part of maintaining your health. An understanding of what causes tooth decay and how you can prevent cavities is an excellent way to start your oral health care journey.

Cavities are holes that form within teeth. This happens when the bacteria that is present inside of your mouth turns food particles into acid. This combination of acid and bacteria leads to the creation of plaque, which is what causes tooth decay to start. If plaque is left unaddressed, it will lead to cavities forming. This is because the acids within plaque wear down the enamel of the tooth. Fortunately, cavities can be treated by your family dentistry practitioner.

Small cavities are treated via fillings, while larger cavities are frequently treated via the use of crowns. If your cavity has spread down into the pulp of the tooth, you may need a root canal.

Ways to Prevent Cavities

When it comes to taking care of your oral health, you need to remain consistent in your routine. While you may believe that it isn’t such a big deal to neglect brushing your teeth every now and then, a consistent pattern of doing so leads to decay, cavities and gum disease. If the problem becomes serious enough, it could even cause you to lose some or all of your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step you can take in preventing these problems from occurring. You should also see your dentist in Dalton regularly. The following cavity prevention tips will assist you in keeping your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and strong for the rest of your life.

1. Regularly brush your teeth at least twice daily. You should brush for at least two minutes while using a fluoride toothpaste. If you’re able, you should brush after every meal or snack that you eat. If this isn’t feasible, you should rinse out your mouth with water after eating anything.
2. Rinse your mouth out with fluoride mouthwash twice daily. This should be done after you’ve brushed your teeth.
3. Routinely visit your dentist for professional dental cleanings and oral examinations. These should be done at least once every six months. Some patients may need to see their dentist more often.
4. Have a discussion with your dentist about dental sealants. These seal off the areas of your teeth where food particles tend to collect. Sealants assist in the prevention of tooth decay, as well as other dental problems. If you take good care of your dental health, your sealants could potentially last for up to ten years.
5. Drink plenty of tap water. Most cities add fluoride to the public water supply, making tap water an excellent way to assist you in preventing tooth decay. In general, drinking water helps you to produce more saliva, which in turn leads to harmful bacteria being washed away more frequently. If you don’t currently drink tap water, try adding some into the mix.
6. Consume foods that are healthy for your teeth. Foods that can help protect your teeth include cheeses, fresh vegetables and fruits, unsweetened beverages, and sugar-free gum.
7. Speak with your dentist about other things that you can do to prevent decay and cavities. He or she will be able to give you advice specific to your unique dental care needs.

Ways Cavities Are Treated

While getting a cavity is never a good thing, there are different treatment options for your dentist to choose from.

Fillings

If your cavity is small, your dentist in Dalton will place a filling. This procedure is a relatively simple one that consists of your dentist taking out the decayed part of the tooth and using the filling to restore it.

Crowns

Cavities that are on the larger side may require a crown, or cap, to be placed over the tooth. This returns the tooth to its regular shape and size.

Root Canal

Sometimes, decay spreads deep inside of a tooth and infects the pulp. When this occurs, root canals are usually the type of treatment that your dentist will perform. During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth and the nerve are removed. This is followed by the dentist sealing off the roots.

In addition to the above treatments, there are several new types of treatments being developed. These exciting developments could drastically reduce the occurrence of cavities and tooth decay. One of these tools is a fluorescent light that detects decay before it transforms into a cavity, allowing dentists to apply a sealant or supplement to keep the decay from spreading. Another type of new treatment being developed is a type of tooth filling that sends fluoride out to the teeth surrounding a decaying tooth. This keeps the decay from negatively impacting the adjoining teeth.

While these innovative dental care treatments are exciting, the best thing that you can do to avoid any of the problems associated with tooth decay is to ensure that you are practicing excellent cavity prevention. This means you should brush twice a day, floss once a day and see an affordable dentist in Dalton at least twice a year. You should also eat foods that are good for your teeth and avoid foods heavy in sugars and carbs. Establishing dental care habits will help you defend against tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Following these dental care habits will help you keep your teeth, mouth and gums happy, healthy, beautiful and strong for the rest of your life.