In a recent report released by the CDC, one in five Americans is suffering from undiagnosed cavities. When research continues to prove the oral-systemic connection, or that your oral health is essential to your overall health, numbers like this are troubling. Today, your Rochester dentist, Dr. Calcagno, will discuss how to properly prevent the development of cavities, so that you aren’t on the wrong side of this statistic.
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Sometimes, you have to go back to the basics. If you want to improve your oral health, you must start with your daily oral hygiene regimen. You should be brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should brush for at least two minutes, buffing every surface and along the gumline. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
You should also floss daily. There are many types of floss on the market, but all are equally effective at removing plaque and debris from between your teeth. Choose your favorite, whether it’s plain, traditional floss or the popular floss picks. When you floss, make sure you move the floss between and against each tooth, down to the gum. Don’t just pop the floss in and out of the space between the teeth.
Your Six-Month Exam and Cleaning
The second part of maintaining good oral health lies in preventive treatments at your Rochester dental office. Even the best at-home hygiene practices may leave some plaque behind, which eventually hardens into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar, when left to build up unchecked, eventually cause the development of tooth decay.
If you do develop a cavity, early detection is critical. The earlier a cavity is repaired, the more conservative the treatment. When a cavity is left untreated, it will eventually become very painful and costly to repair, and you risk infection and tooth loss.
Call Us to Schedule an Appointment
If you are worried about undiagnosed tooth decay, call Calcagno Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today to schedule an exam. You can reach our Rochester dentist office at (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and the surrounding communities.
