It may come as a surprise to find out that gum disease and dental cavities are among the most widespread diseases among humans. Luckily, dental cavities in Cooper City can be prevented with just a little care. Dental cavities begin when the tooth enamel breaks down, allowing bacteria to eat away at the tooth and create holes. If left untreated, cavities can worsen and compromise the tooth’s structure. This infection can spread to the tooth root, gums, and jawbone. In extreme cases, dental cavities can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss.
Here are some tips about oral hygiene habits to follow to prevent the formation of dental cavities provided by our dentist at Cooper City Family Dental:
#1 Brush Daily
To avoid having to seek dental cavities treatment near you, you should make brushing your teeth two times a day a priority. When brushing your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Ensure that you clean all the sides of your teeth, moving from the front to back, and paying close attention to the area around your gum line. This will remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
#2 Floss Once a Day
Every time you eat, your teeth trap food particles that transform into plaque. If not removed, this plaque binds with bacteria, creating an acidic environment and contributing to the development of cavities. This is why it is important to ensure that you floss your teeth every night, ensuring that you get between each tooth and remove any trapped food particles there.
#3 Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Occasionally, cavities do not show any symptoms and can go undetected until you visit a dentist near you for an examination and x-rays. Going for a professional dental cleaning and checkup at least once every six months will help you maintain optimal oral hygiene and avoid cavities. You can take time at these visits to speak to your dentist in Cooper City about the best brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that you are taking care of your teeth at home in the correct manner.
#4 Maintain a Healthy Diet
Good nutrition is excellent for your overall health, including your oral health. Limiting your intake of sugary foods and consuming nutritious foods will help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup on your teeth and gums. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid eating hard candies, sugary snacks, or acidic foods that can harm your teeth.
#5 Think About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are protective coatings painted over the chewing surfaces of back molars and serve as a shield against bacteria and plaque. Children often get dental sealants because they are more prone to developing cavities; however, adults can also get them. They are a cheap and effective preventative dentistry method.
#6 Rinse with Mouthwash
There are many available brands of antibacterial dental rinses that have been proven to help prevent plaque accumulation in the mouth. Rinsing your mouth with these mouthwashes after each meal will help prevent the development of cavities.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to preventing cavities, it is as simple as this: excellent oral hygiene practices mean a lower risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you are interested in understanding more about how cavities develop and how to prevent them from developing, please get in touch with our team at Cooper City Family Dental.