Cavity Prevention Advice for Everyone

Routine dental care is essential when it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities. While you may be tempted to get lazy every now and then and skip out on daily oral health tasks, doing so can have truly negative effects on your health and wellness. People who have untreated tooth decay and/or cavities are at a higher risk of developing several serious illnesses. This makes tooth decay and cavity prevention essential. Starting to learn about the underlying causes of tooth decay and how to effectively prevent cavities will help you keep your smile healthy.

A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth. This occurs when food particles stay within the mouth, allowing the bacteria present there to convert those particles into a type of acid that attacks and wears down the enamel of the teeth. It also causes plaque to form. This plaque leads to tooth decay and cavities. Family dentistry practitioners can successfully treat cavities and teach you how to prevent them.

Cavities are treated in a multitude of ways. Fillings are typically used in instances when you have a small cavity. Crowns are utilized in cases where a cavity is large. Root canals are commonly performed procedures when tooth decay moves down into the tooth’s pulp, causing infection.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Did you know that not having a daily dental hygiene routine can lead to serious issues with both your dental and overall health? Brushing your teeth twice a day reduces your risk of being diagnosed with a number of serious illnesses. In addition to causing serious consequences to your health, neglecting to take proper care of your teeth and gums can lead to you losing your teeth. Following basic dental care standards and routinely visiting an affordable dentist in Bradenton will help prevent these issues from taking hold. Utilize the following tips to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

1. Brush regularly. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for approximately two minutes each time. In addition to this, you should be using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ideally, you should brush your teeth right after you’ve eaten any meal or snack. However, if you are unable to do this, be sure to at least rinse your mouth out with water.
2. Incorporate mouthwash. To give yourself even more protection from tooth decay, use a mouthwash containing fluoride after each tooth brushing session.
3. Routinely make dental visits. Once every six months, you should go to your dentist in Bradenton to receive an oral examination and a professional dental cleaning. If you have complicated or recurring dental issues, your dentist may suggest that you come in on a more frequent basis.
4. Have dental sealants applied. Sealants are placed on the teeth and seal off the nooks and crannies that tend to trap food particles. Sealing these areas off reduces your risk of developing tooth decay. If you take good care of your dental health, your sealants could last for up to ten years.
5. Drink plenty of tap water. Since most cities have fluoride added to their water supply, consuming this water ensures that you are protecting your teeth from decay. Water in general increases the production of saliva in the mouth, leading to a decrease in the number of bacteria found within the mouth. If you only consume bottled water, consider adding tap water to assist in protecting your teeth.
6. Be sure to eat a tooth-healthy diet. Certain foods are excellent for your teeth. These foods include unsweetened beverages, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruits, and sugar-free gum.
7. Have a talk with your dentist. If you are uncertain about what you need to be doing to prevent decay and cavities, ask your dentist. He or she will be able to recommend preventative measures and treatments that can address your unique needs.

Cavity Treatment Options

While it certainly isn’t ideal to have a cavity, they are relatively simple to treat. There are several different treatment options your dentist may pursue. In addition to that, there are new developments on the horizon that can help stop tooth decay in its tracks.

Fillings

Cavities that are small can be treated via fillings. When a dentist places a filling, he or she removes the decayed part of the tooth and replaces it with a filling.

Crowns

Crowns are also called caps. These are placed over a tooth that has a larger sized cavity. A crown brings your tooth back to its regular shape and size.

Root Canal

Tooth decay can spread down into the pulpy area of your tooth and cause an infection. When this happens, a root canal becomes necessary. During a root canal, your dentist will take out the tooth’s nerve and the pulp. The roots will then be sealed.

Researchers are making advancements in preventative treatments every day. One of these advancements is a type of fluorescent light that a dentist can use to spot tooth decay before it creates a cavity. Once the dentist has discovered that area, he or she can apply a sealant or fluoride supplement to protect the tooth from further decay. Researchers are also developing tooth fillings that send out fluoride around the affected tooth so that adjacent teeth aren’t negatively impacted.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth decay, cavities and gum disease is to practice cavity prevention techniques. If you brush your teeth at least twice a day and visit your dentist’s office regularly, you will greatly reduce your chances of tooth decay and all that follows it. Consuming a diet that is healthy for your teeth is another excellent way of keeping decay at bay. This means avoiding sugary foods, as well as foods that are full of carbohydrates. Following your dentist’s instructions and establishing a healthy routine will keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.