How to Prevent Cavities from Your Dalton Dentist

Here at Dr. Call Dental Center, your Dalton Dentist, we know that one of the most important and reoccurring reasons why people visit the dentist are cavities. We grow up hearing about cavities and the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day, rinsing, and flossing properly in order to avoid these cavities. Sugary drinks and processed foods are bad for cavities, and most people have been admonished a child, or later, for consuming too much of either. Many patients ask, what exactly are cavities? What causes them and how can we work to avoid these painful reminders that our teeth need to be maintained?

Essentially a cavity is a small hole in the very enamel of the tooth. This hole is caused by the erosion or decay of the tooth enamel, leading to a hole in the tooth and resulting in a trip to the dentist for a filling. Bacteria lives in all of our mouths. Kept in check by proper brushing and a healthier choice of food, this bacteria does little harm. However, when the bacteria is allowed to remain on teeth unchecked by cleaning, they cause cavities. The bacteria excrete acid as it feeds on the food left on teeth. This acid erodes the enamel and causes decay to set in. As the acid destroys the enamel it forms a small pit or hole where the acid is concentrated, this is what we call a cavity. Cavities can be painful and left unchecked can lead to more serious oral health issues and tooth decay.

The reason why, as your Dalton Dentist, we advise avoiding excessively sugary food or drinks, and recommends limiting the amount of processed food you consume is because these bacteria prefer to feed on simple carbohydrates and sugars. The more food the bacteria get the more the risk of tooth decay and the formation of cavities. A healthy diet is the first step in avoiding cavities, tooth decay, or bad oral health. Ensuring a proper brush, floss, and rinse routine can also help reduce the amount of plaque formed on teeth and is directly related to cavities. Plaque is a naturally occurring biofilm that is produced within minutes of eating or drinking. This plaque causes the bacteria in the mouth to be bound to the teeth, and unless is removed by brushing leads directly to the cavities. If plaque is left unchecked for a longer period of time, tartar builds on the teeth. Tartar is the hardened plaque which is much more difficult to remove than regular plaque, which typically can be controlled and removed using a tooth brush and floss.

Our Dalton Dentist clinic recommends that you visit us at least once every six months to have regular checkups on the amount of tartar built up in your mouth. In addition to eating healthy and engaging in oral hygiene activities, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing, it is important to schedule regular visits to the dentist to avoid the formation of cavities. We can help with maintaining your optimum oral hygiene by performing regular cleanings that remove plaque and tartar and ensure that the teeth remain strong, healthy, and cavity free.