Cavities can lead to permanent tooth damage and sometimes even tooth loss. Fortunately, preventative measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that damage your teeth can help you avoid this problem. At Cornerstone Dental in Martinsburg, WV, we can teach you how to care for your teeth and treat common conditions such as dry mouth, which sometimes leads to cavities.
Prevent Cavities by Brushing Your Teeth
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and food particles that accumulate on your teeth can lead to cavities if not removed with effective brushing. To brush well, use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Position the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and make gentle circular motions, ensuring you reach all tooth surfaces, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Brush your tongue and cheeks as well to reduce bacteria.
Spend at least two minutes, twice a day, on your dental routine. Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months or sooner if the bristles appear frayed. Opt for a toothbrush with a comfortable grip and soft bristles to prevent enamel erosion and gum irritation.
Floss Regularly to Prevent Cavities
Flossing helps prevent cavities because it allows you to clean the surfaces in between your teeth, which are hard to reach with a toothbrush. It involves using a thin piece of dental floss, usually made from synthetic waxed nylon or Teflon.
To floss effectively, take about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches for maneuvering. Gently slide the floss between teeth in a sawing motion, curving it around each tooth in a ‘C’ shape to reach below the gumline. Be cautious not to snap the floss, which may harm the gums. Aim to floss once a day, ensuring thorough coverage of all teeth.
If traditional flossing is challenging, consider alternatives like pre-threaded flossers, dental picks, or water flossers. These tools are great if you have dexterity issues or you’re looking for additional convenience.
Use the Right Products
Preventing cavities starts with using the right products. Opt for fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay.
Avoid toothpaste with excessive abrasives, as they can erode enamel over time. Products with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance are best because they meet safety and efficacy standards. Additionally, consider your specific issues, such as sensitivity or tartar control, when selecting toothpaste.
In terms of mouthwash, choose an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help reduce plaque and strengthen teeth. Alcohol-free options are preferable, especially if you have dry mouth or sensitivity.
Avoid mouthwashes with high alcohol content, as they can contribute to dryness and potential irritation. If you’re not sure what products to select, ask Dr. Wright during your next appointment.
What Should You Limit or Avoid to Prevent Cavities?
Sugary and Sticky Foods
Sugary and sticky foods provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth. Sugars fuel bacterial acid production, which, in turn, erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities.
Focus on reducing consumption of candies, sodas, and sugary snacks, especially those that linger on teeth, like caramel or gummy candies. When indulging in sweets, opt for those that are less sticky or easily rinsed away, and consider enjoying them with a meal when saliva production is naturally higher. This helps to neutralize acids.
If you crave sweet foods, consider chewing sugar-free gum. This stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and strengthen tooth enamel.
High Acidic Foods
Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sodas, can also erode enamel over time and make your teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities. To minimize the impact, consume acidic foods in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize acids. Replace acidic snacks with healthier alternatives like crunchy vegetables or cheese.
These options provide essential nutrients and stimulate saliva production, aiding in the natural defense against acid attacks. Maintaining a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods ensures that your overall nutrition supports both your oral and systemic health and therefore contributes to a robust defense against cavities.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water is important for your well-being, and it serves as a natural cleanser for your teeth. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and acids.
Hydration is particularly beneficial after meals, as it aids in neutralizing acids and restoring a balanced pH level in the mouth. Optimal hydration also supports saliva production, a natural defense mechanism that helps remineralize enamel and protect against cavities.
To stay well-hydrated, aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and consider increasing your intake during hot weather or physical activity. Make water your choice of beverage, and avoid sugary drinks whenever possible.
Dry Mouth and Cavities
Dry mouth occurs when there is a reduced flow of saliva in the mouth. It can result from various factors, including medications, certain medical conditions, dehydration, or aging.
It increases the likelihood of cavities as the protective benefits of saliva diminish. To address dry mouth, stay hydrated, and use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.
Avoid caffeine and tobacco, as they can contribute to dryness. Consult your dentist and primary physician to review medications that might be causing dry mouth and explore potential solutions, such as saliva substitutes or prescription medications.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco use not only stains teeth but increases the risk of cavities and other dental issues. The tar and nicotine in tobacco can lead to the formation of sticky plaque on your teeth, providing an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Moreover, tobacco use is a major risk factor for gum disease, which further jeopardizes oral health. Quitting tobacco is challenging but immensely beneficial. Seek support from your doctors, join programs, or explore nicotine replacement therapies.
Consider Protective Sealants
Protective dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. These grooved and uneven teeth are more susceptible to trapping food particles and bacteria, making them prone to decay.
Sealants act as a barrier, filling in the crevices and creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean during regular oral hygiene practices. Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers as their permanent molars erupt because these coatings provide an added layer of protection during the teeth’s formative years.
The application process is painless and quick. The sealant is painted onto the tooth surface and then hardened with a special light.
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months, but individual needs may vary. During checkups, Dr. Wright examines the teeth and gums for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other issues. X-rays may be taken to detect hidden problems.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Our team also provides personalized oral hygiene advice, which contributes to early detection and effective prevention of dental issues.
Are You In Need Of A Thorough Dental Cleaning Or Dental Examination In The Martinsburg Area?
If you’re in need of a detailed dental cleaning or dental examination please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
