Developing cavities | Decay prevention pointers

developing cavities

Are you worried developing cavities? In particular, are you concerned about the health of your smile? Nearly 90 percent of adults develop cavities, and many school-aged children deal with them, as well. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent cavities. It just requires a combination of diligent hygiene and professional preventive care, as well as other healthy decisions that can aid in keeping the entire smile healthy and cavity-free.

Do you worry about developing cavities or other dental problems? In fact, are you constantly concerned that your aging teeth will become damaged by erosion, and leave you with an unattractive, or worse, uncomfortable smile? Consistent preventive care can help you avoid most cavities, and can certainly help prolong your enjoyment of a healthy and attractive smile. Fortunately, even if you are diagnosed with a cavity, there is also minimally invasive restorative treatment that can help to improve the smile’s function and appearance. That means there really is no reason to worry about cavities. Instead, take the simple steps you can to effectively prevent them!

Are You Eating a Healthy Diet?

One way to better protect your dental health is by eating a dental friendly well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet. This should include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins. Equally important, though, is avoiding too much sugar, which can greatly increase one’s risk of cavity development. That is because the plaque bacteria found in the mouth feed on sugars, so the more you consume the more likely they are to create tartar buildup, which can then cause acidic erosion. This is what leads to cavities, which can then cause sensitivity, discomfort, and eventually infection, if left untreated.

Drinking Water Can Help Protect Oral health, As Well

Drinking plenty of water throughout each day is another surprisingly simple way to prevent developing cavities. That is because water helps produce saliva, which limits bacteria’s ability to stick to and then calcify onto the surface of the teeth. The more saliva produced, the healthier teeth tend to be.

This is actually why chronic dry mouth can be a dangerous condition. So if you notice your mouth feels dry no matter how much water you drink, it is important to speak with your dentist about what could be to blame (it is a common side effect of some prescription medications, for instance) and more importantly, what can be done to protect your smile.

Brushing and flossing are great ways to prevent developing cavities

Of course, a healthy diet and plenty of water are not substitutes for daily dental hygiene, which is key smile care. This hygiene routine should include both brushing and flossing, daily, in order to remove the bacteria and food particles that remain after meals and snacks.

If you can brush a third time each day, such as after lunch, this is advisable. Though if you don’t have access to a toothbrush, chewing on sugar-free gum can be helpful.

Don’t Skip Checkups and Cleanings

It is equally important to visit the dentist regularly, for checkups and dental cleanings. These visits allow dentists to remove any calcified plaque buildup that is present, but they also allow the dentists to check for potential issues, such as enamel erosion that causes yellow teeth, a cavity, or even symptoms of gum disease, another common oral health problem.

Learn more about how to prevent cavities from developing

To schedule a consultation, contact us at (847) 234-0517. A cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest proudly offers cosmetic dentistry services to patients from Lake Forest and the North Shore suburbs near Chicago.