Dental cavities (otherwise known as tooth decay) are a common dental problem and whether or not you'll suffer from dental cavities can depend on many things. Firstly your dental care regime will have an impact on your susceptibility, whilst diet can also be a contributing factor. Its also known that genetics can play a role on how likely you are to get cavities, as well as influences like fluoride levels in toothpaste and water. Some medications, or medical treatments can also add to the likelihood of you developing cavities. If left untreated cavities can rot a tooth and damage the sensitive nerve at its centre. This can then cause abscess (or infection), which will then need to be treated with a root canal procedure or by extracting the tooth completely. The good news is though that theres a great deal that you can do to avoid dental cavities. Read on to find out more:
Regular Brushing
Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day is necessary for good dental hygiene, so it is recommended that you make this a part of your daily care regime. Be sure to clean both the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth and the chewing surfaces using a suitable brush.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Reducing your intake of foods and drinks that contain large quantities of sugar will improve your chances of avoiding dental cavities. Essentially the sugars in these foods provide fuel for the bacteria found in plaque, which then produce acids that corrode teeth. Eventually the teeth will become weakened by this and a cavity will form, so avoiding sugary foods in the first place is a good idea.
Regular Flossing
Like brushing, regular flossing is important for avoiding tooth decay. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and even below the gum line, so its an excellent way of ensuring that you don't suffer from unnecessary tooth damage.
Get 6 Month Check-ups
Visiting your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis is another great way to avoid tooth decay. This will ensure your teeth are kept clean and free of plaque and is also the best way to spot cavities as they develop, allowing you to catch them early. Do you have any thoughts or comments relating to this blog post? Why don't you get in touch with us via Facebook or Twitter? We are always happy to hear from you.