Since childhood you’ve been warned about your greatest dental foe – the cavity! It’s not just prevalent in children; it affects a great deal of adults too. But are you sure about what causes these harmful attacks on your teeth? Furthermore, are you aware of how to prevent them? As you continue reading, your dentist in Dublin will weigh in with 3 tips for protecting your ivories from cavities and the host of other problems that can arise from them.
Where Do Cavities Come From?
Cavities are holes that bore into the enamel on your teeth, the outer, hard layer. They are caused by the accumulation of bacteria that cling to leftover food particles in your mouth. They rush to the debris and feed, growing in numbers as a result.
If not removed, hundreds of bacteria will join together to form plaque, a sticky substance that clings to your teeth and releases acids that wear down your enamel. Because there aren’t any nerves in this part of your teeth, you typically won’t be aware that this process has started until greater damage has already begun.
Thankfully, there are ways to stop these intruders.
3 Tips to Prevent Cavities
There is no magic formula for preventing cavities, which is great because that means you just need to make some simple adjustments in your oral care habits to protect your teeth.
Consider the following:
- Oral Hygiene – Your oral hygiene is of great importance because it involves routines that you should participate in 365 days of the year. The main ones should be brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. In addition, consider rinsing with a mouthwash to add extra fortification to your oral health, because it also helps to remove bacteria and keep your mouth moist.
- Food and Beverage Consumption – Bacteria are attracted to any food that’s left in your mouth, but they have a special affinity for sugars. The more you consume, the more you can expect bacteria to be on the prowl, feeding and growing. Thus, it’s best to limit your consumption of juices, sodas, candy and other nutrient devoid snacks.
- Preventive Dentistry – A final very important piece to cavity avoidance is the preventive dentistry appointment you maintain with your dentist semi-annually. It ensures that any stubborn plaque and hard, calcified tartar are removed. Furthermore, your dentist will be able to spot any developing cavities that you may not be able to detect. Otherwise, you’ll find out when they reach the dentin of your tooth and begin to cause pain. He will stop their advancement by removing decayed material and filling the tooth. In addition, he’ll review your oral care habits with you so that the problem can be prevented in the future.
So now that you know what causes cavities and ways to prevent them, the next logical step is to take a proactive stance by contacting your local dentist to schedule your first appointment.
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck is an expert and compassionate dentist who is eager to lead you in the fight against cavities and all other oral maladies. He practices at Distinctive Smiles and can be reached for more information through his website.