What to Remember About Preventing a Cavity

In the course of caring for your smile, there are some threats that are much more common than others. For example, cavities are the most common tooth health concern, which is why much of your dental hygiene routine focuses on preventing the circumstances that lead to their development. Most importantly, that includes keeping your teeth clean of the oral bacteria that accumulate on them, as well as paying attention to things that could still put your teeth risk of becoming infected.

It’s all about cleanliness

A good dental hygiene routine is simple; brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once, preferably before bedtime. This is key to keeping your teeth healthy because it’s necessary for keeping your teeth clean. Otherwise, oral bacteria would consistently build up dental plaque on their surfaces, and from within the film, they can produce substances to weaken your tooth enamel. The more oral bacteria attack your teeth, the faster the enamel grows weak. When your teeth can’t keep up with replenishing their enamel, it will become compromised, allowing the bacteria to infect the tooth structure.

That means more than brushing and flossing

Keeping your teeth consistently clean of plaque and tartar is key to preventing this from occurring, but you can’t stop bacteria from gathering on your teeth. They’ll continue to do so all day every day, and things that you do between brushing and flossing your teeth can influence how rapidly they do. For example, oral bacteria thrive on the nutrients and minerals in your food and beverages, and some bacteria turn certain nutrients into especially harmful substances. In the case of cavities, the erosion of your enamel is the result of bacterial acids that are produced when you expose your teeth to sugars and other carbohydrates.

It also takes your dentist’s help

Avoiding too much sugar and constant snacking throughout the day is key to slowing down the rate of bacteria accumulation on your teeth, and therefore, lowering your risks of cavity development. However, this doesn’t mean that bacteria will never overwhelm your tooth enamel, or that your risks of developing a cavity are now zero. To consistently keep bacteria at bay and protect your teeth from cavities, you should also visit your dentist routinely for professional checkups and cleanings. During each visit, your dentist can help ensure that you’re keeping your teeth safe from bacteria, or spot signs that a cavity may be developing and address appropriate, early treatment.

Learn how to prevent a cavity from forming

Preventing a cavity from affecting your tooth could be easier than you expect with the right level of care and maintenance at home. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).