How to Prevent Cavities
One of the best feelings that a person can experience is going to the dentist and leaving with a big smile and a clean bill of health. That is not possible if your teeth are riddled with cavities. Cavities are like cancer for the teeth, as they can cause bone loss and other periodontal diseases. If you want to avoid getting a filling or don’t want to go through the pain of a tooth extraction, it is important that you find a way to prevent cavities. Lucky for you, we are here to explain all the ways you can avoid cavities from infecting your teeth.
What are Cavities?
Before we tell you how you can prevent them, let’s start by talking about what cavities really are. Have you ever noticed a sticky and pale-yellow film on your teeth? That is the build-up of plaque, caused by the sugary snacks that you eat. The plaque attracts bacteria and acts like a form of acid in your mouth, which eventually leads to cavities. Left untreated, cavities can rot your teeth away.
How to Prevent Cavities
The following are some of the ways that will help prevent your teeth from getting cavities:
1. Brush Your Teeth
Everyone has heard this one before, but it still hold true today. The best way to keep cavities at bay is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It is important that you brush your teeth properly for at least two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure that you brush all sides of your teeth as well as the tongue.
If you consume sugary snacks or soda during the day, brush your teeth an extra time as sugary food increases the build-up of plaque.
2. Floss Daily
Brushing removes the plaque and most of the food particles from your teeth. However, some particles can get stuck in the gaps between your teeth. That unremoved debris can lead to cavities if not taken care of.
That is why it is important that you remove that debris by flossing daily.
3. Healthy Eating
You must be well aware of the fact that sugar is bad for your teeth. It is a common myth that adults don’t get cavities. However, that is not true. Excess sugar can cause cavities at any age.
Limit eating chocolates or other sugary snacks. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and opt for water instead. Even if you do consume something sugary, rinse your mouth with water if you don’t have your toothbrush with you.
4. Regular Visits to the Dentist
Sometimes, even after taking all the precautions, you can end up with cavities. However, if they get detected early, you will not have to worry about any tooth decay. That is why it is essential that you visit your dentist twice a year.
Your dentist will give your teeth a thorough examination and make sure that they are cavity-free. If there are any cavities, your doctor will fill it up before it has a chance to spread.
All these things are very easy to do and should be a part of your daily routine. Take care of your pearly whites by practicing good oral hygiene.
For more information on cavities, or to make an appointment, give Smile Brightly Dental a call. Our office number is 586-573-7700 and we look forward to hearing from you!