Cavities can be a frustrating dental condition to deal with. They often cause pain and sensitivity and could develop into worsening problems. Preventing tooth decay in Cadillac, MI, could help you save time and money on extensive treatment. While you may be able to treat decay with a dental filling, you may need a dental crown or even an extraction. With proper oral hygiene and early intervention, you could help protect and preserve your natural teeth.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Cadillac, MI
Tooth decay is most often caused by plaque buildup and improper oral hygiene. When you don’t properly brush and floss your teeth, harmful bacteria can linger. This bacteria feeds off sugar in food and drink particles and produces acid. This acid can wear down your tooth enamel. Once your enamel wears down far enough, the inner dentin layer of your tooth is exposed. This is what leads to the pain and sensitivity often experienced by patients with cavities. Keeping plaque and acidity levels down could help prevent decay.
Brush and Floss Twice a Day
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup. When brushing, try to use gentle pressure with soft or medium bristles. Hard bristles with strong pressure could actually wear away your enamel as much as plaque does. Flossing between your teeth helps prevent food particles from getting stuck and feeding plaque. If you have difficulty with brushing and flossing, you may want to add an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily routine to help.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist for routine exams and cleanings is another great way to prevent decay. A professional hygiene appointment can help remove stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth. And during your exam, your dentist could identify early warning signs of decay. Early identification and treatment can often help treat a cavity before it requires complex procedures such as a dental crown. Your dentist could also help identify weak spots in your oral hygiene routine and provide recommendations to improve your oral health.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Foods and drinks high in acidity could damage the enamel of your teeth. While it’s okay to have them occasionally, it’s often best to avoid too much. Drinks such as soda and foods like oranges may lead to an increased risk of decay. If you do consume something acidic, avoid brushing your teeth for the next half hour. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to help remove plaque particles without risking damage to your enamel.
At Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe that preventative care is key to your oral health. We provide a range of general and preventative services that could help prevent and treat tooth decay. Call us today at 231-389-6388 to schedule a consultation and learn more about ways to prevent cavities.