How to Reduce Cavities Everybody knows a cavity is a hole in a tooth. But did you know that cavities are really just tooth decay? It's true. By the time a cavity has formed, a poor little tooth is already well in the process of decaying. So it naturally follows that the more cavities you get, the more tooth decay you've got. So what's the moral of the story? Duh! Get less cavities! A cavity forms when bad bacteria builds up on teeth. Look, everybody's got bacteria in their mouth. The trick is getting rid of it. Luckily, it's not so tricky to get rid of bad bacteria. Brushing, flossing, antiseptic mouthwash, and regular teeth cleanings... these are the ingredients of a healthy mouth, and a healthy mouth equals less cavities. But that's not all. There are additional steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting cavities. And that brings us right back to where we started... less tooth decay! Here are some tips from family dentists that are helpful in reducing bad bacteria in the mouth, leading to reduced risk of cavities forming. Cavities aren't just for kids. From toddler years to childhood to the teens and all the way up through the senior years, cavities can impact every single person on Earth who has teeth. And it's not just tooth decay that can occur when a patient has a cavity. Those little holes in your teeth can also lead to receding gums and even exposure of the roots of your teeth. And, if that happens, you may be staring down the need for a root canal. Cavities can weaken teeth, which can lead to fractures teeth. Those holes can also allow in more of that bad bacteria mentioned earlier. By the same token, if more bad bacteria can get in, that also means that more bad bacteria can get trapped. So, ya see? Cavities are so much worse than you originally thought, huh? The good news is that there's so much folks can do to reduce their risk of getting cavities in the first place. Brushing and flossing Every sports fan knows it... the best defense is a good offense. And when it comes to reducing cavities, a good oral hygiene routine is the best defense. Brushing at least twice daily followed up by regular flossing at least once daily... this is the first and most important step to reducing cavities. If you're not brushing your teeth twice a day and
you're not flossing on a regular basis, you're not getting rid of that bad bacteria. Brushing is like shampoo for your teeth. You wouldn't not wash your hair, and you shouldn't not brush your teeth. And flossing? It's the most effective way to get rid of food particles in between teeth. Floss gets into spaces even the best of toothbrushes can't reach. Proper nutrition But don't stop at just brushing and flossing. The fact diet is an important tool in the fight against cavities. Packaged, processed foods are okay sometimes, but if you make them a staple of your diet, you're opening yourself up for dental problems. For best results, eat a nutritious diet that includes raw, crunchy vegetables every day. Foods such as raw carrots and raw celery are great for cleaning the teeth. Try substituting just one processed food a day with a few of these, and you've just added another step in your defense against cavities. Dental visits When it comes to reducing cavities, well, you just can't do it up right without regular, twice-yearly visits to a family dentist in Clearwater. your dentist can observe changes going on in your mouth a whole easier than you can. And that means you can arrest problems before they happen. A top dentist in Clearwater may find other things that are specific to you that you could do to prevent tooth decay. Some people are just blessed with good teeth. But make no mistake about it; good teeth can also be earned. In fact, those who have good teeth right from the start can easily take advantage of their good fortune, which oftentimes leads to neglect of teeth, mouth, and gum care, which then can lead to tooth decay. But there is an upside to cavities. Sounds pretty stupid, huh? It's not. The good thing about cavities is that they are largely preventable. Unlike many other medical conditions we humans can face, cavities and accompanying tooth decay can be avoided. All it takes is a few minutes a day spent in an solid oral care routine, and cavities are a thing of the past. For more information about how to reduce your risk of getting cavities, talk to your family dentist on your next biannual checkup.