At-Home Cavity Prevention Tips

Tooth decay is a highly common disease found in both children and adults. Tooth decay commonly occurs when sugars and starches from foods containing carbohydrates, as well as bacteria, acid and saliva, are allowed to remain on the tooth’s surface and form dental plaque. Decay breeds bacteria that will break down the structure of the tooth – specifically the outer layer of enamel, and the dentin layer located below the layer of enamel. The acids and bacteria found in plaque attack the enamel, removing nutrients and minerals and destroying the surface. If left untreated, tooth decay can create holes in the teeth known as cavities, and cause further dental issues.

Preventing Tooth Decay

The initial treatment for tooth decay is at-home prevention with proper brushing and flossing routines, brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily. However, more can be done to stop tooth decay in its tracks and recover your dental health. The following are five tips to preventing decay.

• Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to tooth decay. Using toothpaste and mouth wash containing fluoride, as well as drinking fluoridated water, can help protect teeth from dental cares, and even helps enamel recover from damage done by the onset of tooth decay.
• Diet: You are what you eat, and that goes for your teeth and gums. Eating nutritious meals, avoiding sugary snacks, and limiting your carbohydrate intake can go a long way toward a healthy smile.
• Sealants: Sealants are a protective coating applied by a dentist to the chewing surface of molars – the back teeth – to prevent decay from erupting in the nooks and crannies of the tooth’s surface.
• Avoid Dry Mouth: A person with a dry mouth gives bacteria a chance to multiply and attack. Drinking lots water throughout the day, chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol, mouth rinses and quitting smoking can help keep the mouth from drying out.
• Routine Professional Care: Nothing substitutes a professional dental cleaning and exam. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends two checkups and cleanings per year for optimal dental health. 

Above all, keeping on top of your oral health is vital for overall wellbeing. If you suspect you may have tooth decay, don’t put it off. Getting treatment in the early stage can not only prevent the spread of decay, but it can also save you from more aggressive and expensive treatment later on.  

Dr. Benjamin Gilbert is a Philadelphia dentist dedicated to patient education and preventive dental methods to maximize patient comfort and decrease decay. To schedule yournext appointment or to become a new patient of record, please contact our MountAiry dental office.