No one goes to the dentist hoping to hear the dreaded word cavity… in fact, most of us spend the months between visits doing our best to prevent cavities. 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, but flossing helps to prevent gum disease. Because there are places between the teeth and beneath the gum line that can’t be reached with the bristles of a toothbrush flossing becomes very important. No one likes root canals, no one. 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 from significant tooth pain and gum disease.
- 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 and helps to prevent sensitive teeth. Essentially, those fluoride treatments make your teeth stronger stopping cavity and crown causing bacteria in their tracks. Next time you visit the dentist in Oklahoma City, 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. Sodas and sugars also play a role in damaging the color of your teeth, causing you to have to invest in teeth whitening. Cut down on the sugary sodas and drinks to keep a white smile!
- 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. Sodas and sugars also play a role in damaging the color of your teeth, causing you to have to invest in teeth whitening. Cut down on the sugary sodas and drinks to keep a white smile!
- The dental professionals at Reflections Dental Care are here to partner with you when it comes to preventing dental work. Along with your continuous care appointments, we offer teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and help if you have a common toothache! It is important to keep up with your regular appointments so your hygienist can remove the bacteria harboring plaque from your teeth. If you are in need of any additional dental care in Oklahoma City, make sure to ask your doctor or hygienist the next time you’re in! We are looking forward to seeing your white smile.