Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay
At Caring Dental of Spotswood, we encourage all of our patients to be mindful about their oral health. Because we see our patients so infrequently during the year, the majority of caring for their oral health falls on their shoulders. You may be surprised to learn how quickly your oral health can deteriorate if you are not cleaning and caring for your teeth properly. It is very easy for tooth decay to develop leading to the need for treatment.
How Decay Develops
Every time we eat and drink, a certain amount of bacteria remains on the teeth and in the mouth. The saliva in your mouth tries to rid it of harmful bacteria, but when the bacteria overpowers the saliva, problems develop. The remaining bacteria on your teeth eventually turns into acid and begins to eat away at the tooth enamel, which is the outer covering of the tooth. Decay on your teeth can appear as white or dark spots, and if allowed to progress will eventually be a small hole.
Prevent Tooth Decay
The easiest way to prevent tooth decay is to brush the teeth thoroughly for two minutes twice a day. We also recommend using dental floss daily. This helps to remove food and bacteria from between your teeth. Visiting our office for routine examinations also helps to prevent tooth decay. We also recommend staying hydrated with water and limiting sugar intake.
How to Help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
Unfortunately, children are very prone to tooth decay. For many children, poor brushing habits and poor food choices contribute to problems with their oral health. We recommend that parents help their children brush their teeth until they learn how to do it correctly. We also recommend limiting the amount of chewy and sugary foods your child eats. We may recommend dental sealants for your child as a way to help prevent decay. Sealants are a simple treatment that is brushed on the chewing surface of the rear molars.
If you, your child, or another family member is due for a hygiene examination be sure to contact our office located in Spotswood, NJ to schedule an appointment. During the examination we can inspect to ensure tooth decay is not present or developing. We look forward to seeing you soon!
