How Can I Prevent Developing Cavities?
When people go to the dentist, they are always hoping for a clean bill of health and that they do not have any cavities, as an dentist in San Clemente, CA can attest. Learning about how to prevent cavities can help ensure that whenever you go in for a routine check-up, you aren’t told you have a cavity which requires filling. Bacteria and plaque are two of the biggest contributors to tooth decay and cavities. When you eat or drink, your mouth can fill with sugars and acid that harms tooth enamel. Sticky plaque can slowly build-up on your teeth if you do not rinse thoroughly and clean between teeth after eating. There are small choices you can make in everyday life to help prevent against developing cavities:
Q: What is the main way I can help fight cavities?
A: Perhaps the number one way you can protect yourself against developing cavities, is to brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. You can use a regular or electric toothbrush, depending on your preferences. But regardless of what type you use, brush all sides of your teeth and not just the top. Plaque is brushed away during this process, but quickly forms again a few hours later (so brushing more than once a day is highly recommended).
Q: Is it terrible if food gets left behind sometimes?
A: If you brush and floss in a hurry, food particles can get left behind. If the debri is not removed, cavities can start to develop overtime. Areas that are most prone to food getting stuck and contributing to cavities, are between the teeth at the gum line and in deep crevices on top of the teeth. When you floss, be thorough and take the time to remove food particles along the gumline.
Q: Is nutrition a factor in whether I get cavities?
A: Nutrition can play a role in taking care of your teeth. By limiting sugary drinks and foods, it can help you avoid plaque build-up. Most types of candy contain at least some sugars that are unnatural, which don’t treat either our body or teeth very well. When it comes to cavity prevention, the less fake sugars the better.
Q: What can I do about deep teeth crevices?
A: Dental sealants can be a great way for people with deep tooth grooves to help prevent against cavities. It can be challenging to get food particles and sugar out of these crevices even when using a toothbrush. The sealant fills the grooves and shields against plaque and bacteria. Sealants can benefit both children and adults.
Q: Is chewing gum good or bad for your teeth?
A: This depends on what kind of gum you are chewing. Certain types of sugarless gums can help prevent cavities, due to an increased flow of saliva. If you pick gum brands that are loaded with sugar, you may actually be increasing your chances of eventually developing cavities. Stick to gums that are sugarless, and have a stamp of approval from dental associations.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into oral health.
