Category: Prevent Cavities

Here’s a Few Good Ways

There are actually a few different ways that you can floss your teeth so that you maintain that beautiful smile for many years to come. Flossing is one of the most important steps in a great oral care routine. It helps to remove food matter that could turn into bacteria and lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. No matter which method you use each day, the key is to be sure to do it at least once a day if not more often to ensure that you are taking care of your teeth and gums properly.

One of the growing trends in flossing is the use of a Waterpik to clean the spaces between the teeth. Essentially it is a pressurized device that sends water into the mouth at a high rate. This loosens the debris that is left on the teeth after eating. While this is an extremely popular means of cleaning the spaces between teeth there is some debate about which brand is the best on the market. If you are considering purchasing one of these devices it is ideal to do your research in advance.

The first place you should look for information about a quality Waterpik is with your dentist. They have the expertise to recommend the most effective product on the market. They can also let you know whether or not it is a good option depending on your dental health and oral health routine. If you can’t get in with a dentist for a consultation you should at least compare reviews online to determine what other consumers find to be the best product. Reading through the reviews will give you the best understanding of what people really think of the product. It is far more ideal than just going with the products general rating.

The most common means of getting debris out from between your teeth is to use standard dental floss. The key to this being effective essential relies on your doing a thorough job. You want to be sure that you take the time to get in between the crevices of each pair of teeth. Many people find that starting on one side of the mouth and working your way to the other side. Ideally, you will want to use around 18 inches of floss each time you do it. As you move through each space you should use a different part of the floss to ensure that it is the most effective as it will degrade as it is being used.

If you choose to use this method you should note that there are many different kinds on the market. There are some that come with a layer on them that can help to freshen your breath. Others even have a layer on them that can help to kill the bacteria that it comes in contact with. Everyone has different goals when it comes to what it will do for their oral health and their breath so really it is just a matter of your personal preference.

Last, but not least, is the means of using a plastic dental pick. This comes with a small strip of floss on one side with a pick on the other end. This gives the user the convenience of being able to floss while on the go. For example, if you go out for a meal and want to ensure that you reduce your risk of getting a cavity from bacteria growth you can floss right after the meal no matter where you might be. It also lets you get larger pieces of food out of the crevices of your molars that typically are not accessible with standard floss. Most people use this option in conjunction with other flossing options to maintain the highest level of oral hygiene possible throughout the day.

What really matters the most, however, is that you make it a priority to floss on a daily basis. Many people neglect this step in their oral care routine, but that can lead to a number of problems in the future. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent the build-up of plaque, prevent the formation of cavities from bacteria and reduce the risk of the development of gum disease, often referred to as gingivitis.  This will help in tandem with the thoughts we point out in our article How Do Dentists Fix Cavities.

Gum disease leads to the gums receding, exposing more of the surface of the teeth. This can increase the risk of forming cavities in hard to reach and more sensitive areas. It also can lead to the inflammation and infection of the gums. This can be extremely painful and even a very serious risk to your overall health. If gum disease if left untreated it can actually lead to increased risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is a very serious condition that leads to the premature death of thousands of people each year. Most people just are not aware of how closely their heart health is related to their oral health. Taking care of your teeth and gums means that you are taking care of your entire body.

No matter which method you choose, you are doing something great for your health. It is essential that you floss at least once each day. Doing so prevents a list of issues and really only takes a couple of minutes of your time. There really is no reason to not make this a priority in your daily life.

How Does it Happen

Millions of people deal with dental cavities and these issues can lead to worsening health.

It’s important to understand the nuances of this condition and why it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. Too many people let their cavities sit and that can cause long-term issues including the loss of one’s tooth. To make sure that is not the case, a dentist is going to recommend fixing the cavities right away. They will make use of modern dental techniques to do so and the results will be impressive.

Here’s more on cavities and how they are fixed by a dentist.

What are Cavities?

Cavities are one of the most commonly treated issues at a dentist’s office.

in general, a cavity will pop up when a tooth starts showing signs of decay or breakage. The word “cavity” means hole and is something that isn’t going to heal on its own. This means the hole will only get larger and larger with time.

Cavities happen for a reason and it often has to do with the development of plaque. This is bacteria that collect on top of the tooth and can be described as a sticky substance. The germs start to eat away at the tooth, which causes the cavity to pop up. This is why brushing one’s teeth is important as it can keep the plaque away. However, even in the best case scenarios, cavities can become a reality for patients.

Anyone that doesn’t take action may be left with the acid digging through the top surface as it chips away at the inner layers. This is when a person may start to notice signs of discomfort and other flashes of pain that may not seem normal. The reason for this has to do with the nerves inside each tooth. These are going to respond as soon as the root is exposed.

Fixing Cavities

So, what does it take to fix a cavity once it has been noted as a problem?

Cavities are going, to begin with a detailed diagnosis to determine whether or not there are multiple issues at hand. Sometimes, cavities are just a part of the problem with people having gingivitis as well. This information is going to vary from case to case, which is why a dentist is going to take their time analyzing the teeth. They will look at each tooth to see how they’re doing and what changes have to be made.

The goal is to stop the erosion and that is going to be done with the help of a customized filling.

The first step is to dry the mouth and that is going to be done with the help of a specialized tube that is able to suck up liquid in the oral cavity. After this is done, the dentist or their helper will begin to apply some form of numbing gel near the area to help tone down the pain associated with this treatment. In larger cases, a patient may receive a special shot near the tooth.

After this step is done, the dentist is going to take the time to work out how the filling will be set up. They are going to make use of a drill that is going to help get through the plaque. If that is the case, you are definitely going to get a shot for the process. During this process, the suction tube is still going to be used to make sure the mouth is as dry as it needs to be at all times.

If the dentist is happy with how the tooth is set up, they are now going to take a liner that will be set up on the tooth to make sure it is safe. This is to make sure the tooth isn’t sensitive once the procedure is done and the filling is established.

The filling material is going to vary depending on what the dentist things are the right option for your case. For example, some dentists may prefer the idea of using amalgam fillings, which are rock hard and are ideal for molars or any tooth that is at the back of the mouth. While other cases may demand composite fillings which are made of glass/quartz as they are ideal for smaller parts of the mouth.

In other situations, a dentist may look to start using ceramic fillings because these are great for avoiding stains.

For rare situations, a dentist can also recommend the use of metal, glass, or acrylic fillings that are good for preserving teeth and making sure teeth last for a while without cavities popping up.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many options to work with and the process is going to be an extensive one. Dentists spend years learning the art of fillings and will know how to do things the right way.

Whether it is a simple filling or a more robust root canal treatment, they are going to have the expertise to get the job done. It’s always best to speak with the dentist and see what they have to say before moving forward with the procedure. Fillings can often be done in one setting and root canal treatments may require a longer procedure to ensure everything is managed properly.

Don’t be afraid to learn more about the process before getting started and ensure the dentist is a reputable one.

This is an important part of one’s oral health and has to be handled by a professional that has years of expertise. Along with making sure you are going to a qualified dentist, please make sure to spend time on your oral regimen to ensure the teeth are in good health for as long as possible. This is the best way to ensure you are in good shape and don’t have to fret about cavities all the time!

Yes, your habits do go a long way and this is something the dentist will also mention during the dental process for fixing cavities.

How to Protect

The holiday season is one of joy, cheer, and family. It’s also a time for delicious food and sugary sweets. And when you have access to lots of yummy treats, the last thing on your mind may be cavities and tooth decay. However, you want to make sure that you are protecting your teeth before there is any damage done so that you can enjoy the holidays and focus on what is really important this time of year. In this article, we will share with you some helpful tips and tricks on making sure that your teeth stay cavity-free during the holiday season.

1. Be Choosy About What You Eat

This is the time of year when lots of sugary desserts are rampant – from homemade cookies and cake to store bought pies and candies, it seems the temptations never end!

So what is the course of action to take in order to avoid cavities? Be selective when it comes to the treats you decide to eat. As the old saying goes, “everything in moderation.” There is nothing wrong with helping yourself to one or two small items when dessert time rolls around. But keep it minimal.

Another tip?

Don’t indulge in something that you can enjoy at any time throughout the year. For example, if you are presented with a certain kind of store bought candy, perhaps you should take a pass on it. But if Aunt Sarah brings her famous cherry pie, why not have one small slice?

2. Timing is Everything

If you do decide to eat something sugary – and let’s face it, the holidays call for a treat or two – indulge right after eating a meal or as part of your meal. The reason? Saliva begins to be produced more when you eat and helps to wash away acid, bacteria, and particles of food.

3. Keep Water Handy

A huge mistake that a lot of us make when we are eating is to complement the meal with soda, juice, or something else that is full of sugar. Again, if you decide you want to indulge a little, moderation is a very good thing. But the best course of action when avoiding cavities during the holidays is to wash down your meals with water. Water is the best liquid that we can introduce to our bodies, and it aids in washing your mouth out regardless of what you have eaten.

4. Re-Think Sticky Snacks

Problems with cavities arise when food particles, as well as sugar, remain stuck to the teeth before we have time to brush or rinse them away.

Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid sticky snacks such as dried fruit. Fresh fruit or items that do not cling to teeth are better options for the longevity of your teeth. If you simply cannot resist a sticky snack, be sure to rinse your mouth shortly thereafter or get to the bathroom to brush.

5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum works to cleanse your teeth by producing more saliva. And, as mentioned previously, more saliva aids your mouth in keeping your teeth rinsed of bacteria and food particles. If you have wrapped up in holiday cheer loved ones, you may not have the time or ability to rush to the bathroom and brush your teeth every time you eat a meal or a snack.

Keeping some gum on hand to use after meals can make a huge difference in chasing away those pesky cavities. And gum that is sugar-free works hand-in-hand with fighting off tooth decay by not introducing another harmful factor to the health of your teeth.

6. Don’t Overlook the Effects of Alcohol

During the holidays, we want to have a great time with our loved ones and kick back a little. But alcohol is a sneaky place where a lot of sugar resides, plus alcohol can dry your mouth out. It’s a good idea to limit yourself to one or two drinks, and even with that amount, you can’t go wrong with having some water handy.

7. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Even during the holiday season, it is important to carve out the time to take care of your mouth. Ideally, you should be brushing twice per day, using mouthwash, and flossing daily. If you can, brush after every meal, but especially do not go to bed before having brushed your teeth.

Flossing once daily before bed also ensures that any food trapped between your teeth does not sit there and begin to cause tooth decay. If you plan to travel for the holidays, bring a small travel case with you that contains everything you need to care for your oral hygiene.

The holidays are special, and, of course, you want to be focused on what truly matters rather than pesky cavities. Use these tips to avoid tooth decay and create holiday memories that will last for a lifetime.

To learn more read our post: How Do Dentists Fix Cavities?