3 Things You Need to Know About Cavities
No one goes to the dentist hoping to hear those dreaded words. In fact, most of us spend the months between visits doing our best to preventing our OKC dentist from saying those words. As most Americans would attest, the occurrence of a cavity is almost inevitable. Here are 3 things you should know about cavities, that might help you prevent some in the future.
Flossing is Key!
Brushing alone is not a sufficient defense against the occurrence of decay and therefore cavities. Brushing your teeth is a great first step in preventing decay. However, there are places, especially in between the teeth and beneath the gum line, which just can’t be reached with the bristles of a toothbrush. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research, the risk of decay decreased by 40% over when professional flossing was performed on children over a 1.7-year period. While flossing can be a tedious task, it can save you and your teeth in the long run.
Don’t Skip the Fluoride Treatment!
The fluoride treatment recommended by your dentist and hygienist isn’t just a ploy to get you to spend more money during your appointment. According to the CDC, fluoride helps to stop the process of demineralization of teeth, as well as, encouraging teeth to remineralize. This remineralization makes them stronger and less susceptible to decay. Essentially, those fluoride treatments make your teeth stronger and stop cavity-causing bacteria to stop in their tracks. Next time you visit the dentist, make sure not to skip that fluoride treatment!
Carbs and Sugar aren’t just bad for your waistline!
The bacteria that cause decay in your mouth fancies those carbs and sugar just as much as you do. Our diets play a significant role in the occurrence of decay. In fact, plaque itself is not the direct cause of decay. It is when the bacteria in the plaque interacts with the sugars in our diet and releases acids that we see decay. This is why it is important to cut down on your sugar intake whenever possible!
The dental professionals at Reflections Dental Care are here to partner with you when it comes to preventing cavities. Along with your continuous care appointments (where your hygienist works to remove the bacteria harboring plaque on your teeth), we offer several products to assist you in maintaining your oral hygiene. Make sure to ask your doctor or hygienist about these the next time you’re in!
Sources:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/154405910608500404