The Top 3 Ways To Prevent Cavities
Cavities frequently occur when plaque is lodged in the teeth and produces an acid that slowly eats through the enamel, eventually creating a cavity or hole in the tooth. What’s even worse is that the cavity could get deeper and ultimately affect the tooth root if it is not corrected with a dental filling. In most cases, cavities usually are as a result of poor dental hygiene or eating sugary foods, and they often need a trip to your dentist in Wilsonville. On the flip side, it’s easy to learn how to prevent cavities with some easy steps. Here is how to prevent cavities.
Watch What You Eat
If you are the kind with a sweet tooth, you most likely will be a frequent victim of cavities because frequent snacking on starchy and sugary foods deposits some cavity-causing acids on your teeth. Additionally, constant snacking often increases the amount of time the acids remain on your teeth, which in turn increases the likelihood of getting cavities. To reduce your cavity risk, you must cut back on all sugary drinks like juices, sodas and energy drinks. Instead, take plenty of plain water. Try as much as possible to skip the candies, snacks, and sweets and go for healthier options like veggies and fruits. Getting rid of the sugary snacks from your diet helps improve your oral health and overall body health as a whole.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly and Properly
While it might sound pretty much obvious, the best way to keep dental decays and cavities at bay is by keeping your teeth clean. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, mainly after each meal and do it thoroughly. Dental experts say that while many people spend about thirty seconds brushing their teeth, the right period is two times that. Brushing your teeth before going to bed is essential because letting bacteria stick on the teeth overnight can facilitate the formation of the cavity-causing acid. When brushing, just work carefully from the tips of the teeth to the gum. Nice gentle strokes are the best way to clean your teeth since scrubbing will only remove the food particles on the tooth’s flat surface. Read here for a guide on brushing. For the best results, be sure to begin at the gums and use some fluorinated toothpaste since it makes the enamel more resistant to tooth decay.
Always Keep Your Dental Appointments
Statistics show that close to 20% of American adults aged between 20 and 60 are living with untreated cavities. If it has been quite some time since you checked with a dentist, it is time you scheduled a visit. Visiting a dentist is one of the surest ways of preventing cavities. At your dentist’s office, an X-ray of your mouth will be taken, and your entire mouth will be examined. This way, the dentist will check for gum disease of cavities to determine whether you will require any additional treatment.
There are also cavity-fighting treatments available in your dentist’s office, such as dental sealants and cleanings. The dental cleanings will help keep your teeth in good condition by removing tartar and plaque buildup.