A dental cavity occurs when your teeth enamel becomes so soft that it exposes the dentin to plaque. It is the aftermath of tooth decay. If left untreated, the cavity expands to destroy the entire tooth. Suppose you already have exposed roots and gum recessions. Is it possible to prevent a dental hole from worsening? Even though there is no sure way to treat cavities, there are measures you can take to stop the spread of tooth decay.
Dental Exams and Regular Teeth Cleanings
In a dental exam, a dentist gives a deep clean with special equipment. Consider taking this fundamental step for preventative health care every year. It is the right practice for checking gum diseases and cavities. The best dentist also evaluates your risk of contracting other oral problems by examining the mouth, face, and neck. They might suggest a dental X-ray or radiograph as part of the diagnostic process.
Dental Sealants
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 50% of US teenagers and one in four adults suffer from cavities. The primary cause of dental cavities is neglecting oral health. But is it always too late to take control of oral issues? Luckily, dental sealants come to your rescue to shield the enamel of a predisposed tooth. A sealant is a thin coating that a dentist paints over the chewing surface of teeth to reduce plaque. This is especially good for the molars and premolars. Foods For Healthy Smiles While brushing and flossing are critical to oral health, what you eat is more important. Taking dental health-boosting foods such as fruits, veggies, green tea, oranges, and fish helps your mouth to produce more saliva that works to wash off plaque-causing bacteria. Avoid cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, sugary cereals, and chocolate bars. A study carried out in the Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, suggests that regular intake of sugar-sweetened beverages cause erosion lesions. These abnormalities have similar characteristics to dental caries.
Fluoride Toothpaste
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommend fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental fluorosis and tooth decay. Use this toothpaste at least two times per day but avoid brushing immediately after meals. Fluoride helps to restore the enamel and may reverse cavities in their early stages. Rinse With Fluoride Mouthwash Most people rinse their mouths with plain water. But a fluoride mouthwash is more effective. Avoid rinsing immediately after brushing since it erodes the concentrated fluoride. Instead, use a fluoride-based mouthwash after 30 minutes to prevent tooth decay. Again, do not drink or eat 30 minutes after rinsing.
Ditch Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco make your teeth more prone to periodontal gum diseases and decay. The CDC asserts that tobacco products create tartar and plaque that inhibits the flow of saliva. Furthermore, smoking irritates the gum, making it loose around teeth and the bacteria finds it easier to grow. Since cigarette smoking lowers immunity, the body struggles to fight gum infections, so they become worse by day. Some dental cavities can be small, and they take a while to develop into a toothache. Do not delay treatment hoping for the cavity to repair itself. If you don’t take the right measure early enough, you will be in for a painful experience and a possible complicated dental procedure. In severe cases, a dentist may not save your tooth, and the only solution would be an extraction. Seek treatment as soon as you notice any sign of oral health issues.
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