Kiefer Family Dental sees plenty of patients that have one common problem. That problem is cavities. Cavities, which are also referred to as tooth decay can occur at any time. And while kids are more susceptible to developing cavities because of poor dental hygiene, adults can just as easily develop tooth decay.
When a cavity is smaller, it can be filled with composite resin material with no complications. However, when the cavity is left untreated, it will continue to infect the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp and may even require a root canal. Prevention is key to avoiding cavities, and keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.
Here are five tips that Kiefer Family Dental thinks will help prevent cavities:
1 – Brush Regularly
Kiefer recommends that you brush two times a day for at least two minutes each time. When brushing your teeth, the toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle and come into contact with both the tooth as well as the gums. This helps to remove debris, plaque, and particles from both the soft tissue and the teeth themselves.
2 – Floss Daily
A common problem that dental hygienists find is that their patients aren’t flossing their teeth. Flossing is one of the most underutilized dental hygiene habits. Flossing is the ideal way to keep the areas between your teeth clean and debris-free. Dentists have found that the more that you floss, the more likely you’ll continue doing it and preventing cavities from forming between the teeth.
3 – Use Mouthwash
Did you know that mouthwash contains bacteria-fighting ingredients that get rid of leftover plaque, food, and germs. Most mouthwashes require you to swish a cap-full of liquid for at least 30 seconds. Get in the habit of using mouthwash every time you brush your teeth for a cleaner mouth and fresh breath.
4 – Avoid Sugars and Acids
The bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar. This is the catalyst for developing tooth decay. The less sugar you consume, like cakes and candies, the less food the bacteria has to feed on and the less likely you’ll be to develop cavities. The same can be said of acidic foods and beverages like soda and soft drinks.
For adults, this means less snacking and making healthier choices throughout the day. For kids, it means avoiding candies, sweet pastries, and sugar-laden beverages that are consumed regularly.
5 – Get Regular Cleanings and Exams
Your first line of defense against serious tooth decay and cavities is to spot them before they’re allowed to get worse. This means going to Kiefer Family Dental for cleanings and exams. Routine teeth cleanings can help to prevent cavities by getting rid of the buildup on your teeth that would otherwise create decay. It’s essential to visit the dentist twice a year for a bi-annual cleaning and examination.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that the tips to prevent cavities was helpful. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families including solving all dental issues you may encounter.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
