Tooth decay could mean your tooth hurts, and that the risk of eventual infection or tooth loss will grow with time. Fortunately, we can treat cavities with a lifelike filling, but what can be done to avoid them? In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist explains what you and your family can do to avoid cavities!
The Causes of Cavities
Our teeth are coated in a strong layer of tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. This layer protects the inner dentin, a sensitive and soft tissue, from exposure to harmful bacteria. But when the enamel is compromised and bacteria reach the dentin, then a cavity could form. The enamel could be weakened by plaque buildup, brought on by poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar and starch. Injury to the smile or chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) could also weaken and damage enamel. Without treatment, your decay could grow until your teeth feel sensitive or ache, at which point treatment is crucial to avoid an infected or abscessed tooth.
Taking Preventive Action at Home
At home, you can take action to help prevent the onset of tooth decay. For example, you can brush when you wake up and again before bed for two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste each time. You can also floss between your teeth every evening before brushing the second time. These actions remove trapped food particles and help lower the risk of cavities. You also enjoy a brighter smile and fresher breath as well. We also recommend you cut back on items high in sugar and starch, as this could feed harmful oral bacteria. Instead, add fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain breads, and items high in vitamin C and D. These actions help lower the risk of cavities.
Seeing Our Team
You should also see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can watch for the earliest stages of demineralization, and use a cleaning to remove plaque buildup before it erodes your enamel. For kids, we could discuss treatments like fluoride gel and dental sealants to lower the risk of cavities and safeguard their smiles for months or even years to come. If you have any questions about how we help smiles stay cavity free, or if you would like to schedule your family’s next checkup and cleaning appointment, then contact our team today.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT STAYING CAVITY-FREE
We want to make sure you and your family take action to keep cavities away. If you would like to find out more about avoiding poor oral health, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
