People of all ages suffer from cavities and the dentist can
help. It is common to think that a
cavity can be prevented by simply brushing and flossing. These steps do help to prevent cavities, gum
disease, and all oral health problems.
The problem is they are not always enough to stop cavities from forming,
causing even healthy people to experience an occasional tooth infection.
A cavity is formed when bacteria builds up on your
tooth. Certain types of bacteria will
attach themselves to hard surfaces. Once
there, bacteria have the ability to multiply and grow. When the bacteria combine with your saliva, it
forms plaque. If the plaque is not
removed in time, you are at risk for cavities and gum disease.
As a dentist, we treat patients of all ages and see cavities
in toddlers all the way up to senior citizens.
No one is immune. You can,
however, do things to help prevent cavities, including:
·
Drink a
lot of water. When you stay hydrated, it helps your body to produce more
saliva. This saliva will in turn wash
away a lot of the bacteria that forms in your mouth. If you are drinking sugary soda or juice,
replace it with water to improve your overall health.
·
Use
mouthwash. Carry a travel size
mouthwash with you and use inbetween meals.
They sell it at the drug store and rinsing with it will help to kill
bacteria before it can damage your teeth and gums.
·
Brush and
floss. While this isn’t enough to
stop cavities, not brushing and flossing will cause them. You must do this at least twice a day.
·
Avoid
sugar. Candy, soda, cake, and pie,
or anything that is high in sugar content can cause damage to your teeth. Replace these sugary foods with healthy
fruits and vegetables. Brushing after
meals will help to reduce any damage the food you eat may cause.
·
Apply
fluoride. Fluoride can be applied at
the dentist or found in over the counter toothpastes. Using fluoride will add important minerals to
your teeth. These minerals are what help
to keep teeth strong and protect them against cavities or tooth decay. Strengthening your teeth will make them less
susceptible to all types of infection.
·
Regular
teeth cleanings. You should visit
the dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning.
Dental tools are used to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that can
build up over time. A professional can
reach areas of your teeth and gums that you are unable to do at home. Preventative visits are a proven way to
reduce the occurrence of cavities.
We recommend that patients focus on preventative care in
order to avoid needing to have dental procedures. If, however, you start to experience pain it
is important to schedule an appointment immediately so that we can correct the
problem before the bacteria spreads. Unfortunately,
bacteria have the ability to multiply so if you don’t remove it, other teeth
can become infected.
