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
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.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to fill a cavity or pull a tooth?
One common question about dental care is whether it is cheaper to fill a cavity or pull the tooth. The answer varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the cavity and the type of dental insurance coverage you have.
In general, it is usually more cost-effective to fill a cavity rather than extract the entire tooth. This is because removing a tooth involves additional procedures such as X-rays, anesthesia, and potentially a follow-up visit for a replacement tooth. These additional costs quickly add up, making extracting a tooth more expensive than filling a cavity. However, there are some situations where pulling a tooth may be the most affordable option.
What is the film on teeth to prevent cavities?
The film on teeth that helps prevent cavities is called enamel. This hard outer layer of the tooth is a barrier against bacteria and acid from food and drinks. However, enamel can weaken despite diligent brushing and flossing, leading to cavity formation.
Dentists often recommend using fluoride treatments or dental sealants to further protect against cavities. Our team describes fluoride as a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and can be applied directly to teeth through toothpaste or mouthwash. Dental sealants are very thin coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent food particles from getting trapped in oral crevices and causing decay.
How can I fix my cavity naturally?
Some natural remedies can prevent or even slow the progression of cavities, but they should not be used as a replacement for professional dental treatment. Some of these include oil pulling with coconut oil, using baking soda and water as toothpaste, and consuming foods high in Vitamin D and minerals like calcium to support strong teeth.
However, if you already have a cavity, you must seek evaluation and professional treatment from one of our dentists at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, California. Drs. Don Mungcal and Camille Loria can properly clean out the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it completely with a dental material like composite resin or amalgam. These fillings not only restore the tooth’s function but also protect it from further decay.
Can you permanently fix a cavity?
Yes, a cavity can be permanently fixed through proper dental treatment. “After removing and filling the decayed part of the natural tooth, it will no longer deteriorate. However, you will still need to maintain good oral hygiene and visit our dentists regularly for cleanings and check-ups to prevent new cavities from forming.
How can I stop a cavity from growing?
Prevention is crucial in stopping a cavity from growing. This is achieved through steps like proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet that limits sugary and acidic foods can help prevent future cavities from forming.
Who can I call to learn more about cavity prevention?
Call Drs. Don Mungcal and Camille Loria of Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, California, to learn more about caring for your smile to reduce the risk of problems such as periodontal disease and cavities. The office is at 1590 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite N, and can be reached by telephone at (310) 643-6004.
