Fight cavities and enhance your oral health with our dentist at Chisholm Trail, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges. Schedule appointments and request more information from the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880.

In this blog, we discuss why we get cavities, how they form, and what we can do to avoid them.

Why do we get cavities?

The bacteria in our mouths are largely responsible for cavities. They form a sticky, biological film called plaque. This sticky plaque adheres to the teeth and accumulates, mostly along the gumline and hard-to-reach areas (like between the teeth).

Plaque and bacterial by-products are mostly acidic. This acid can dissolve the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities.

According to our dentist at Chisholm Trail, There are several factors that can increase the risk of cavities, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Frequent snacking without brushing afterward
• Sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Dry mouth
• Genetic factors
• Certain medical conditions and medications

Dentist at Chisholm Trail Explains How Cavities Form

Cavities form when the tooth’s enamel becomes weak and breaks down. This can happen when the pH level in the mouth drops below 5.0. The acid produced by the bacteria in plaque can lower the pH level in the mouth, leading to demineralization of the tooth’s enamel.

Once the enamel is weakened, the bacteria can penetrate the tooth’s surface and form a cavity. The cavity will continue to grow as the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food we eat. 

If left untreated, cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and even tooth loss.

How can we avoid cavities?

The primary way to avoid cavities is to conduct good, daily oral hygiene. This includes:

• Brushing all surfaces of your teeth at least twice every day with remineralizing toothpaste
• Flossing at least once daily
• Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings

In addition to good oral hygiene, there are several other things you can do to avoid cavities, such as:

Reduce Acidic and High-Sugar Foods and Drinks 

Yummy treats that are high in sugar and acid can increase the risk of cavities. So. try to limit your consumption of these foods and drinks. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives, such as fruits, vegetables, and water.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production. As a result, it can help neutralize the acid in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Use Fluoride Products

Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth’s enamel and can prevent cavities. Ask our dentist at Chisholm Trail about fluoride treatments at your next dental visit.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water can help flush out the bacteria and acid in the mouth. It can also promote healthy saliva production.

Consider Dental Sealants 

Our dentist at Chisholm Trail can apply dental sealants to the back teeth to prevent cavities. These thin coatings prevent wear and tear and keep bacteria at bay.

Meet Our Dentist at Chisholm Trail Today

By visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent cavities and maintain good oral health. So, don’t wait–contact our dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, today! Patients can reach us online here or at (580) 255-4880.

The post Dentist at Chisholm Trail Explains How and Why We Get Cavities appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we help our patients get healthy, strong, and beautiful smiles with preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental options. If you’re ready to meet Dr. Matthew L Bridges and his Duncan, OK, team, then request your appointment at (580) 255-4880 or online here.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, let our team answer some of your dental care FAQs. This information could help you keep your smile healthy for life!

How often should I brush and floss?

Many patients believe that dentists want us to brush and floss after every snack or meal. But, for most patients, brushing and flossing after every morsel of food isn’t time effective. Not only that, but over-brushing can wear away tooth enamel faster, which may lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

The American Dental Association states that twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing is enough to keep your mouth healthy between dental visits.

Should I be using mouthwash?

For many patients, mouthwash is a little-considered oral hygiene product. However, mouthwashes come in many varieties, making them a versatile and powerful tool in your dental hygiene routine.

So, while brushing and flossing are the main stars of oral care, mouthwashes can be helpful to:

• Prevent cavities
• Remineralize teeth
• Reduce odor-causing bacteria
• Moisturize dry mouths

Is my diet causing cavities and gum disease?

A staggering 6 billion bacteria call the human mouth home. While not all of these bacteria are ‘bad’, a high-sugar, acidic diet could encourage harmful bacteria to grow out of control. And, when harmful bacteria accumulate, cavities and gum disease are sure to follow.

So, if your diet consists of sugary and acidic foods, then you might notice painfully swollen gums and increased cavity rates. To promote optimal oral health, Dr. Bridges recommends a diet rich in:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats
• Probiotic foods

Research suggests that naturally probiotic foods (like yogurt) noticeably improve the signs and symptoms of gum disease. So, if you want a healthy mouth, then eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of probiotics!

How often do I need to see a dentist?

Preventive dental care is the best dental care. Therefore, most dentists recommend routine exams and dental cleanings at least every six months. 

However, every patient is different, which means that they should plan dental visits around their own unique needs. For example, cavity-prone patients should consider scheduling dental cleanings more often than other patients. So, rather than getting dental cleanings twice a year, these patients may need them three or four times a year.

Our dentist at Chisholm Trail will gladly help you strategize and plan dental care that meets all of your needs.

Been a while? Schedule a dental cleaning now!

If you haven’t seen a dentist in at least six months, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center now. Patients can send our team a message here, or they may call our dental office at (580) 255-4880 to request their appointments.

The post Our Dentist at Chisholm Trail Answers Four Dental Care FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.