A General Dentist Guide To Preventing Cavities

A general dentist is the right person to speak to if you want to learn how to prevent cavities. Cavities are caused by tooth decay which is one of the most common issues dentists treat. Tooth decay refers to damage to the structures of teeth that can affect the inner layer called dentin and the outer layer called enamel.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on leftover food particles from cereals, milk, fruits, candy, cake, bread or soda. These microorganisms excrete acids that eat away at teeth. The bacteria, food particles and acids in the mouth combine to form plaque – a sticky film that coats teeth surfaces. The acids in plaque dissolve teeth, create small openings or holes called cavities.

Our general dentist explains how to prevent tooth decay

The bacteria that cause tooth decay are also responsible for other common dental issues like gum disease. Keeping the mouth clean goes a long way when it comes to safeguarding your oral and overall health. Here are some simple things patients can do to keep tooth decay at bay:

• Brush teeth twice daily. This helps to remove plaque as it builds up on teeth surfaces. The plaque will eventually harden into tartar if left on teeth surfaces and tartar facilitates tooth decay more than plaque.
• Brush at night. Brushing right before going to bed helps to protect teeth during the most vulnerable time of the day. Saliva serves as a natural mouth cleaner and it washes away bacteria and acids from teeth surfaces.  Brushing right before going to bed, reduces the effect of plaque on teeth at night
• Floss daily. Flossing is almost as important as brushing. It cleans the tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Dentists recommend brushing once daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash. This helps to clean spaces missed by brushing and flossing. A mouthwash that is infused with fluoride can also help to re-mineralize teeth.
• Eat nutritious food. Teeth need nutrients like fluoride and calcium to remain healthy. Dentists recommend eating a diet that is rich in these nutrients to combat the effects of tooth decay.
• Limit sugar consumption. Sugar is one of the worst things teeth can be exposed to. It clings on teeth surfaces and oral bacteria love it. The more sugary products a person consumes, the more likely they are to develop cavities.
• Visit a dentist twice a year. Regular visits to a dentist give them a chance to detect developing cavities in their early stages. At this point, simple procedures like a fluoride treatment might be enough to reverse the decay. Regular visits to a dentist also give the patient a chance to get preventative treatments like dental sealants that protect teeth against cavities.

Stop cavities in their tracks

Dealing with one or more cavities? Give us a call or drop by our Visalia clinic to learn more about how to prevent cavities. Our dentist can also educate you about preventative treatments.

Let's get started…

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.