Nothing makes a dentist visit more unenjoyable than finding out you have a mouthful of cavities — especially after you’ve been so diligent about flossing and brushing. Why is it that you still find yourself with pesky cavities making an appearance when following your dentist’s recommendations for cleaning your teeth?
No matter how good your dental hygiene routine is, some people are more susceptible to cavities than others. It might not be the answer you’re looking for, but cavities can be caused by genetics.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through cavity after cavity for the rest of your life. The team at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has put together a quick guide to help you better understand how cavities form and how you can reduce your risk of getting them.
What Are Cavities & How Do They Form?
Cavities are permanent damage, also known as tooth decay, that form tiny holes within your teeth. Without treatment, the damage can spread throughout the entire tooth and cause the whole tooth to rot. But how do these small holes come about?
Your teeth are comprised of various minerals that become damaged over time when exposed to sugary drinks and scratchy foods that cause bacteria growth in your mouth. This bacteria creates an acidic covering on your tooth that eats away at your tooths’ enamel. The more acid that builds up, the more the natural minerals in your teeth are weakened.
If the sugary or starchy treats are not thoroughly cleaned, you will find yourself dealing with tooth decay.
How to Reduce the Risk of Cavities
While some individuals are more prone to cavities, you can still take precautions to lessen the risk of tooth decay. Here are a few ways that you can improve your oral health and minimize the chance of cavities:
- Scheduling regular dentist visits – Preventative care is absolutely crucial when it comes to maintaining healthy oral hygiene. Through regularly scheduled dental visits, your dentist can find small problems before they become larger and painful issues — pointing out problem areas you should focus on when cleaning your teeth.
- Flossing and brushing – Do you brush your teeth every morning and night? What about after every meal? While most people follow the brushing twice a day rule, not many can say the same about flossing! Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once helps to remove any sugar or starch buildup on or between your teeth that can lead to cavities.
- Changing your diet – If you are more susceptible to cavities, it can be beneficial to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Make mindful choices when eating and determine the easiest places for you to make some changes. While sugar is in most foods, you can make a significant change by reducing your soda, coffee, or juice intake, as well as eating less candy and sweets.
- Tweaking your oral hygiene routine – Sometimes brushing and flossing isn’t enough — or you might not be using the best products to get the most effective clean. Talk to your dentist about what you can do to improve your oral hygiene. Small changes can make a big difference, such as using an electric toothbrush, mouthwash, or a water pick.
Fix Your Cavities with Non-Metal Fillings At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you would like to replace your metal fillings with non-metal fillings or would like to schedule preventative care, contact the team at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you reach the smile of your dreams!
