A Family Dentist Gives a Prevention Strategy to Avoid Cavities

The most common dental issue a family dentist treats is tooth cavities. A cavity can damage the tooth structure and can cause significant pain if it reaches the inner dentin layer of the tooth. Cavities occur when starchy, and sugary food debris is left on the teeth. The bacteria inhabiting the mouth feed on these remnants to produce acidic plaques which bind to the tooth. The acid dissolves the minerals on the enamel and bores a hole into the teeth, called cavity. Your oral health affects your general well-being. The key strategy for preventing a cavity is to maintain excellent oral health. In this article, you will discover several oral hygiene measures shared by a family dentist to keep your teeth cavity-free.

Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine

Brush teeth regularly

While most people may already know this, the fact remains that the best way to prevent cavities is to keep the mouth clean. It is not just about cleaning the teeth but doing it correctly. Patients must ensure that they brush twice daily and spend at least two minutes at it to be thorough. Patients should brush their teeth before bed because the bacteria that linger in their mouth while they sleep will continue wreaking havoc throughout the night.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste to mineralize tooth enamel and protect it against decay. Patients should get a toothbrush that works well with their teeth. If opting for a soft-bristled brush, patients should change it at least once every three months. A hard-bristled brush may degrade the enamel or cause bleeding, so be careful to avoid vigorous brushing.

Floss daily

According to the family dentist, meticulous flossing is essential for good oral health. Some of the worst cavities form between the teeth. Even with careful brushing, food debris can hide between the teeth, especially in areas inaccessible by a toothbrush. By flossing, patients will be able to get rid of those small particles before they cause tooth decay. Experts recommend using floss at least once a day, particularly before bedtime.

Cut down on sugary and sticky foods

What better way to prevent cavities than to limit the factors that cause it. Sugary and starchy foods produce acid in the mouth and a leading cause of tooth decay. Even sugar-free drinks are harmful because of their high acid content. It is better to avoid sugary foods, but if patients cannot resist sweets, they should rinse their mouths after consuming them.

Visit your dentist regularly

So many people do not take their dental appointments seriously, especially if they are not experiencing any dental issues. However, patients should not wait until they have a dental emergency before visiting their family dentist. Dental experts suggest two visits yearly to keep teeth in top shape. While cavities may not be a severe dental issue, they worsen rapidly and could cause dental complications later.

Routine visits allow dentists to examine the mouth for issues and commence with treatment before things worsen. During the appointment, the dental expert will perform cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and other essential maintenance to ensure that teeth stay healthy.

Prevention first

Stick with the prevention strategy recommended by the family dentist and you will likely not have to deal with dental cavities.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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