How To Prevent Cavities & Tooth Decay

Preventing Cavities in Glendale, WI

Cavities, often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone including infants and toddlers. Join Sladky Family Dental as we take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Exposing the Culprits Behind Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth and it counters the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance of cavities.
Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help reduce your chance of cavities.

Stronger, Whiter, Healthier: Unlock the Power of Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. But, cavities left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Below are some of our cavity prevention tips:

Oral hygiene

Brush with fluoride toothpaste — twice a day, for two minutes, ideally after each meal.
Floss your teeth — this removes plaque and buildup between your teeth and at the gumline.
Use a mouthwash containing fluoride

Diet and drinks

Avoid sugary drinks and foods
Drink lots of water
Eat fruits and vegetables

Other preventative measures

Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up over time which isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best cavity prevention options.
Ask about fluoride treatment during your visit.
Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.

If you think that you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth decay, contact our Glendale, WI office immediately at 414-332-5450.

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