How To Fight Off Cavities

Fighting off cavities is actually easier than people think. As the saying goes, brush and floss your teeth twice daily to avoid cavities. As we grew up we learned the importance of brushing and flossing, but many people may not know exactly why that is. Despite learning about dental health, cavities still remain a common problem for many people. In fact, one in every four American adults have cavities, and more than 50% of teens have had a cavity before. It is never too late to take more control of your oral health, to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and other dental issues. 

Are some people more at risk for developing cavities than others?

Depending on the layout of your teeth, how deep grooves are on your teeth, what you eat, what your at-home cleaning routine looks like, and other factors, some people may be more at risk for getting cavities than others. The best way to know where you stand is to get regular dental cleanings and exams every 6 months. Your Apex, NC family dentist can talk with you about your unique teeth, and how you can best fight against cavities. 

Is it possible that I could be brushing wrong?

Many people brush their teeth way too aggressively. They think that the harder they brush, the more plaque will get scraped off the teeth. But in reality, they are probably slowly wearing away at their gum line and removing the protective enamel of their teeth. It is best to brush with a soft-bristled brush, and electronic is even better. With a spinning head, you just have to spend a few seconds letting the vibrating bristles do their work on every tooth. The tiny bristles can also help get any food particles that may be wedged in between teeth. 

What’s the most effective way to prevent cavities?

The human mouth is comprised of a billion microbes that are recycling what we eat and drink. Tooth decay starts to occur when these microbe recyclers get stuck to teeth in combination with plaque, leaving behind acids that wear down the enamel and cause cavities. If tool decay goes untreated, the bacteria that began accumulating in the mouth can spread to other areas, complicating conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Brushing is the most simple and effective way to prevent cavities. By brushing a couple of minutes twice a day, it fights against bacteria and plaque buildup. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse away bacteria along with freshening up your breath. If you want to strategize further, you can brush after lunch too! 

What could be contributing to cavities that people don’t realize?

Most Americans enjoy a cup of coffee with tasty sugars and syrups once or twice a day. These additives can cause harmful sugars to remain in the saliva for longer than you may think. So, rinse your mouth after that cup of joe so the sugars don’t wear away at your teeth and cause cavities. Sipping through a straw also helps ensure sugars go town to your tummy and don’t sit on your saliva and teeth. 

Thanks to Alliance Dentistry for their insight into dentistry and how to fight off cavities.