How To Prevent Cavities
When a patient visits our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning, their number one concern is whether we see signs of tooth decay. Patients should be visiting our office every four to six months for routine examinations. During these exams, we not only thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque and bacteria, but we also check for problems with your oral health. One of the most common complications patients of all ages experience is tooth decay. Do you know what you can do to help prevent tooth decay from developing on your teeth? Read on to learn more.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
When patients visit our office for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, they are immediately curious if we spot any cavities. A cavity is the result of dental decay that develops when harmful bacteria are left on the teeth, turning into plaque and acid that eventually erodes the tooth enamel. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine. We see most of our patients so infrequently during the year that the majority of their oral health is in their hands. It is important that you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice daily. You should also be using dental floss daily as well.
In addition to cleaning your teeth properly, it is important to avoid eating frequently throughout the day. It is best to eat only during mealtimes and avoid continuous snacking throughout the day. Each time you eat, you introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth and increase your risk of developing decay. This risk increases when you eat sugary and starchy foods. Be sure to also drink plenty of water to help flush out the lingering food and bacteria.
If you or a loved one needs an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, we encourage you to contact our office, which is located in Wellington, FL, to schedule an appointment. We also recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you notice any problems or complications with your oral health. We want to help you have excellent oral health for the remainder of the spring, into the summer, and beyond!
