Tooth Decay Prevention – Protect Your Teeth!

While most people go to the dentist to fix a dental problem, what if your visits could be focused on dental prevention? Tooth decay prevention can save you from tooth loss, oral discomfort and pain, and it can save you a lot of time and money!

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity.

To fill a cavity, dentists will remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Sometimes, nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it).

Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control, and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene can help you avoid unhealthy teeth and costly treatment plans. Take care of your teeth and prevent cavities!

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin layer that can be painted over your teeth to give them an extra level of protection from dental cavities. The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

This is where sealants come in. They help prevent tooth decay and promote good oral health by helping your teeth remain protected from the harmful foods or drinks you may consume that could cause damage to your teeth.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.

A great way to use fluoride is to purchase a fluoride toothpaste the next time you’re at the drug store. If you brush your teeth using this kind of toothpaste it can help prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming. Fight those nasty sugars and starches you’ve been eating or drinking lately by brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.

If you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from becoming a painful part of your life, then give East Mountain Dental office a call today and schedule a dental visit!