Cavity Prevention

Some people are prone to cavities, others develop them because of poor oral health care. Whether tooth decay is a common occurrence in your life or not, it’s important to practice cavity prevention so you can avoid toothaches, infections, and serious oral health problems. The team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach is always ready to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Girl is Brushing Her Teeth

Regular dental care in the form of professional teeth cleanings and dental exams are an essential part of cavity prevention. The recommendation for ideal cavity prevention is to visit your dentist every six months. Here’s what to expect:

  • Cleaning: The dental hygienist’s meticulous teeth cleaning scrapes away any bacteria and plaque buildup that is difficult to clean on your own.
  • Polishing: A careful teeth-polishing done during teeth cleanings makes enamel shiny and bright and helps protect teeth from buildup for a little while (but you still must brush every day).
  • Dental exam: Your dentist will examine your mouth carefully to look for any signs of trouble brewing. Recommendations will be made to address developing issues before they have the chance to turn into cavities.
  • X-rays: When you have digital x-rays taken, these will be carefully reviewed to see if there are any problems developing within the tooth under the gumline.

Know Your Cavity Risks

Some patients are far more prone to developing tooth decay. Some of the most common reasons for this include the following:

  • Thin tooth enamel: Unfortunately for some people, they have thin tooth enamel which is more susceptible to the effects of decay.
  • Poor oral hygiene: You can’t let your dentist do all the work, especially since you’re only seeing them once every six months. Clean your teeth at least twice a day, every day, no matter what.
  • Not visiting the dentist: If you have dental anxiety, don’t have dental insurance, or you simply don’t want to go to the dentist, speak to your Manhattan Beach dentist about sedation dentistry, friendly financing, and other comfort measures that make every dental visit easier to manage.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

What you do at home to take care of your teeth has a major impact on cavity prevention. It only takes a few minutes every day to make a difference and keep tooth decay at bay:

  • Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
  • Floss at least once a day and/or use a water pik for a more thorough cleaning.
  • Consider getting dental sealants if you are especially prone to repeat tooth decay.
  • Ask your dentist whether you are a good candidate for fluoride treatments.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

The foods and substances you put in your body affect your oral health as much as any other part of your well-being. Making some adjustments to your lifestyle can make all the difference in cavity prevention.

  • Drink water frequently, especially after meals or when there is no opportunity to clean your teeth.
  • Avoid frequent snacking and sipping so teeth are not constantly bathed in food particles and bacteria.
  • Reduce consumption of sugary or acidic beverages.
  • Quit smoking.

Get Cavity Prevention Support from Your Manhattan Beach Dentist

You don’t have to tend to your oral health needs alone – in fact, you shouldn’t. Your Manhattan Beach dental team at Beachside Smiles considers it a privilege to help patients maintain good oral health and practice cavity prevention.

If you suspect tooth decay, have tooth pain, or want to schedule a teeth cleaning, contact us to schedule an appointment.

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