It’s not difficult to keep your teeth healthy and save yourself from the likes of tooth-colored fillings, root canal therapy, and dental extractions. Easy and effective cavity prevention methods include things you can do at home as part of your oral hygiene routine and things your dentist can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Dedicated Oral Hygiene
The state of your oral health is completely within your control – well, almost completely. By practicing good brushing and flossing techniques at home, you set yourself up for the best possible circumstances where cavity prevention is concerned. Do your best by brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossing at least once a day or using a water pik.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
Your daily habits affect your body – and that includes your teeth. There are many things you can do to avoid damaging your oral health, including the following:
- Drink water frequently, especially after eating and when you need to clean your teeth but don’t have the tools available.
- Minimize the consumption of sugary or acidic beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and juices.
- Try not to snack frequently so your teeth are not constantly bathed in bacteria and food particles.
3. Preventive Measures
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children, who tend not to be the best brushers and end up with frequent cavities. Some adults, though, are good candidates for sealants, especially if you suffer from repeated tooth decay. This easy treatment is brushed on to the chewing surface of molars to prevent them from being susceptible to the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
If you damage a tooth, even minorly, getting it checked and addressed right away can prevent bigger problems from developing later. You may not think anything is wrong with your tooth but there could be a hairline crack that lets in foreign particles and leads to decay. Cavity prevention, sometimes, is as simple as making an appointment with your Manhattan Beach dentist for preventive dentistry.
4. Teeth Cleanings and Dental Exams
Professional teeth cleanings every six months involve a careful scraping away of plaque and bacteria, particularly in all the spots where it’s hard to reach with a toothbrush. Your hygienist and dentist are trained to notice suspicious areas that may be developing a cavity or have a crack or chip that could lead to an infection, and x-rays offer even more information about what’s happening under the gumline. There is no substitute for the expertise and knowledge of your dental team when it comes to cavity prevention.
Get Professional Cavity Prevention from Your Manhattan Beach Dentist
Some people live their entire life without a cavity. Others have problem after problem because of thin tooth enamel or avoiding the dentist. Whether you’re prone to cavities or not, dedicated oral hygiene and cavity prevention is essential for everyone. Do whatever you can to avoid toothaches, infections, gum disease, or other serious oral health problems, and get support from the dental team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
