Tooth decay, also called dental caries or cavities, afflicts nearly all of the population. Researchers estimate that between one and ten percent of humans go through life without a cavity. Kids are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, in baby teeth and then in permanent teeth. Regardless of a patient’s age, a dentist must treat tooth decay or it will progress to cause potentially serious dental and overall health issues. Even baby teeth need cavities filled.
In today’s blog, the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team will share tips on how to prevent cavities. You’ll learn:
- How Cavities Start
- How to Prevent Cavities
- About Supplemental Fluoride
- About Dental Sealants
If you’re ready to schedule an appointment now, call our Duncan dental office at 580-255-4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team welcome you and promise to treat you and your loved ones with the utmost gentleness, care, and respect.
How Cavities Start
Inside your mouth live over 700 species and up to 20 billion–yes, billion–bacteria. The human body is quite resourceful. Tooth enamel, the protective, white coating on our teeth, is the hardest substance the human body can create and the second hardest substance in nature, next only to diamonds. So our teeth are designed to repel bacteria.
Oral bacteria like to eat starch, which you consume by way of sugars, bread, corn, potatoes, and other common foods and beverages. When oral bacteria eat starch, they create an acidic byproduct. These acids leach calcium and phosphorus from tooth enamel, the minerals that give enamel strength. When teeth are demineralized by acid, enamel softens. At this point, bacteria attack teeth because, in addition to starch, they like to consume tooth structure.
Over about an hour following the starch feast, tooth enamel re-hardens. Saliva resupplies the minerals enamel needs to become strong.
In addition, acids bacteria make and acids we consume from citrus fruits, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and the like erode tooth enamel over time. As a result, enamel thins and offers less protection against cavities.
Some medications and treatments also increase the potential for cavities. For example, aspirin, chemotherapy medications, inhaled corticosteroids, asthma medications, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants, and oral contraceptives.
Acid reflux, or GERD, can subject molars to stomach acid. Without antacids, this scenario can lead to excessive cavities on back teeth. Bulimia patients experience a similar problem.
How to Prevent Cavities
The biggest cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene, though diet and nutrition can be a factor. Also, acid reflux disease, dry mouth (often caused by medications), teeth grinding, and even brushing too hard for too long can contribute to cavity formation.
You can take measures to reduce your risk for cavities, but as for how to prevent cavities, there’s no surefire solution–yet.
Practice daily oral hygiene following these steps:
- Brush in the morning for two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a tongue scraper to remove excess bacteria and debris from your tongue
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to freshen your breath
- Floss your teeth thoroughly before evening brushing
- Brush teeth for two minutes after flossing
- You can add a tongue scraping and mouthwash to your evening routine if you prefer
- Ask about fluoride and sealants
In addition, to deter or prevent cavities:
- Reduce starch intake
- Use a straw in sugary or acidic beverages to reduce contact time with teeth
- Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva production
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
- Drink eight or more glasses of pure water daily
- Don’t suck on sugary candy or sip on a sugary or acidic drink; consume sugars and starches quickly to reduce contact time with teeth
- Schedule and attend six-month checkups and cleanings with Dr. Bridges
About Supplemental Fluoride and Sealants
Most adults are eligible for dental fluoride by way of a varnish or gel that we apply after dental cleanings. Fluoride in small doses is safe and has a significant effect on preventing cavities. Fluoride attracts enamel-strengthening minerals, so it helps with enamel remineralization.
Topical fluoride works in baby and permanent teeth, but children can also benefit from ingesting fluoride. Most tap water is fortified with fluoride in the United States, so kids should not be limited to bottled water–which doesn’t usually contain fluoride.
Dental sealants are best suited to children under 14, though in some rare cases, Dr. Bridges may recommend sealants for an adult. Sealants are a clear or white coating painted onto molars and then hardened with a curing light. They create a barrier in the crevices of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants may need to be touched up occasionally to restore their effectiveness.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
The number-one way to prevent cavities is to practice diligent daily hygiene and attend checkups and cleanings. If you experience toothaches, you could have cavities even if you don’t see them. Cavities often form between teeth and are only detectable by X-ray. If it’s time for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning or you’re suffering from a toothache, call our Duncan dentist’s office today at 580-255-4880. We look forward to seeing your smile!
