Cavities can be confusing. On one hand, they’re supposed to be easy prevent with good hygiene and preventive dental care. On the other hand, they’re the most-frequently occurring oral health concern for people of all ages. Both of these are true, and though they may seem contradictory, they point to the truth about how to successfully prevent cavities. Good dental hygiene is important, but there are a few other things you might need to consistently and successfully prevent cavities from forming.
1. A good dental hygiene routine
Good dental hygiene is a key to successful cavity prevention, but what it means to be a good dental hygiene routine isn’t always clear. Most people are familiar with the need to brush their teeth at least twice every and floss at least once. However, many people will skip brushing and flossing once in a while without realizing the impact it has on their overall oral health. It doesn’t take long for oral bacteria to accumulate on your teeth surfaces, or for the plaque they form to calcify (harden) into tartar. To successfully prevent this, you’ll need to consistently clean away the bacteria from your teeth’s surfaces, without giving them a chance to calcify into tartar.
2. A meal plan that lowers your risks
The reason good dental hygiene is the key to cavity prevention is because it’s your first line of defense against the harmful oral bacteria that can cause one. These bacteria, which are among the many different types that form dental plaque on your teeth each day, are a threat when they metabolize certain nutrients from your meals and beverages. For instance, some convert sugar into acids that weaken your tooth enamel and deplete your teeth of minerals. You can control this process by sticking to a consistent meal and snacking plan that minimizes the amount of time oral bacteria are active each day.
3. A consistent schedule of dental health care
In addition to keeping your teeth clean every day and limiting their exposure to the process of oral bacteria, preventing cavities long-term requires consistent care and attention from your dentist. Even with your best efforts, you may miss a spot of plaque once in a while. When it calcifies into tartar, your toothpaste and water will no longer be able to remove it from your teeth’s surfaces. Routine dental checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to remove the calcified buildup and any lingering plaque to continuously reduce your risks of developing a cavity, or more.
Learn more about successfully preventing cavities
Preventing cavities is important to preserving your healthy smile, and with these few tips, you have a better chance of succeeding. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
