DENTAL HYGIENE TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT CAVITIES

By Hunter Harrell

When I think about cavities, I think about the times when my father used to say “I need that like I need another hole in the head.” Because cavities are quite literally additional holes in your head (well, teeth), and you definitely don’t need them. Yet, cavities are common in children, teenagers and adults. A cavity, which is a permanent hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay, can cause pain and sensitivity, which can lead to infections or total loss of the tooth if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several steps that patients can take to avoid cavities.

Dental exams are essential to identify potential problems. Professionals recommend scheduling visits every six months, or twice a year, to have teeth professionally cleaned. These regular cleanings and inspections can help individuals prevent cavities, gum disease, enamel wear and gingivitis, for example. Dentist professionals are precise and detailed. With a quick examination, they have a thorough understanding of how to address underlying causes of oral health problems, including cavities.

Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. But did you know that technique is just as important? To properly remove particles and prevent plaque build-up, the toothbrush should touch teeth and gums. Due to the rotating brush head and sonic vibrations, battery-powered toothbrushes can often be more effective at removing debris. While the twice a day rule may work for most people, if you consume beverages and snacks throughout the day, dental hygienists recommend brushing teeth especially after drinking beverages or eating a meal to balance the pH of the mouth. If you follow a regular routine and still suffer from tooth decay, try chewing sugar-free gum which helps saliva circulate around the mouth in between brushes.

Flossing daily prevents plaque from settling between the teeth. Rather than reaching for a toothpick after lunch, consider floss instead. Fortunately, floss is easy to carry in a pocket or purse, and tools like dental picks make flossing on-the-go easier than ever.

To improve the overall appearance and brightness of your smile, flossing is key. Not only does flossing help keep teeth clean, it can also strengthen the gums. Regular flossing prevents receding gums, as well as tooth and bone loss. While flossing might be a hard habit to begin, once patients see the benefits, dentists say it quickly becomes part of a routine.

Brushing and flossing alone will not remove the bad bacteria from the mouth. Adding mouthwash to a regular routine will help patients battle bacteria and keep bad breath at bay for longer periods of time. Some mouthwash options contain calcium and other ingredients geared toward strengthening tooth enamel. However, mouthwash does not have the capability of removing plaque that is already present. Most antibacterial mouthwash will contain alcohol, but there are also alcohol-free options marketed to children and people with sensitive teeth.

Maintaining oral health requires repetitive action. While hygiene is the most common reason that cavities form, there can be other underlying causes. This is why it is important to not only follow a hygiene routine, but also check in with a dentist twice a year, or annually at a minimum. When dentists identify problems before patients experience pain or sensitivity, the cost to treat cavities decreases significantly. Scheduling regular dental cleanings prevents patients from making multiple appointments in a matter of months to address a problem that could easily escalate if left untreated.