One of the most common things that all dental patients are aware of, but never talk about, is tooth decay.
Physically resembling brown stains, holes or edges in the case of fillings, tooth decay is the bane of every dental practitioner's existence and is the reason why fillings exist, along with us talking incessantly to patients about avoiding sugar and attending check-ups!
And while it can be easy to assume that you know what causes cavities and decay, you may not know as much as you think you do when it comes to preventing it
At Sheen Dental, our dentist Richmond is always eager to educate our patients and, when it comes to the basics of dental hygiene, there are some things that many people remain unaware of. But, we can all agree that regardless of your age, both you and we want to prevent decay, so read on for the causes of it and how you can take steps to prevent it!
So, what does our dentist Richmond advise when it comes to preventing decay?
What causes it?
First things first; what causes decay?
In short, an excessive amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Once this bacteria has enough of it in your mouth to form plaque, it begins eating away at the enamel of your tooth, causing cavities or in some cases gum disease.
This is why it is important to visit our dentist Richmond every 6 months, so they can remove stubborn plaque.
How can I prevent it?
By not giving that harmful bacteria an area to grow on!
You, yourself, can practise good oral hygiene at home, which will remove the majority of this bacteria; brush your teeth twice a day, use mouthwash and floss with regular floss or use interdental brushes.
Diet plays a role; cut back on sugary sweets, drinks and avoid scratchy foods, as these can act as a stimulant for the bacteria to grow on your teeth.
What else can prevent cavities?
If you suffer from acid reflux, you are at a higher risk of succumbing to cavities.
As the acid weakens the enamel, it makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the tooth. To help with this, our team at Sheen Dental can provide you with fluoride sealants; these are clear coatings that are painted onto your teeth at your check-ups and will act as an additional screen against decay.
Ask about mouthwashes and toothpaste
There are some instances in which brushing and fluoride sealants aren’t enough, as is the case for many people with conditions such as cancer.
In these cases, our team will bolster up your defences against decay and cavities by providing you with an antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste, which are targeted to eliminate cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth.
Prescription fluoride
If you need to have some additional protection against decay, our team can create custom-fitted trays for you to wear at night, inside which you can apply a medicated fluoride gel. Simple!