Avoid A Visit With An Emergency Dentist: 5 Easy Tips to Prevent Cavities

You may be surprised to know that cavities are the most common oral health problem among Americans, adults and children alike. In fact, according to the CDC and Prevention-Oral and Dental Health, one out of every four adults in the United States has untreated tooth decay. When cavities are left to progress, they can result in further decay, infection, and eventually tooth loss. So, although they may seem like a small inconvenience, they’re actually a bigger deal than you may think. Read on for five simple tips to help you prevent cavities from developing and avoid a run-in with an emergency dentist in Wildwood Crest.

Know Your Risk Level

You may be surprised to find out that some people are at a higher risk of developing cavities than others. The structure of everyone’s teeth are different, and some people have deeper pits and crevices in their molars that are unfortunately more effective at trapping cavity-causing sugars and carbohydrates. To take control of your oral health back into your own hands, it’s best to learn how vulnerable you are to developing decay, which you can do by getting a thorough examination from your dentist. This way, you can adjust your oral hygiene routine as necessary.

Keep Up With Your Oral Hygiene

When plaque and food debris aren’t regularly cleaned from your mouth, it can cause the number of harmful oral bacteria to increase. These bacteria release acid that erodes the natural enamel of your teeth, resulting in decay. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening at home is to brush twice a day, in the morning and at night, for two minutes, and floss at least once a day. Try to get into all the nooks and crannies of your mouth, where food debris likes to hideout.

Visit Your Dentist for Routine Cleanings and Checkups

Routine checkups and cleanings are vital in making sure that you’re able to enjoy all your natural teeth as you get older. When you visit your dentist every six months, they can tackle the small problems before they have a chance to progress into an issue that’s more costly, inconvenient, and requires invasive treatment down the road. If they find a cavity, they can prevent further damage with a quick filling. This way, you won’t have to worry about an infection developing.

Keep Sugar Consumption to a Minimum

Bacteria like to feed off sugar, so it makes sense why you would want to cut back on consuming it. If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy a couple of cans of pop each day, try substituting it for water. It’s effective in ridding your mouth of sugar, carbs, and bacteria, and is a helpful way of preventing cavities from developing.

Quit Bad Oral Habits

Habits like tobacco use are known to cause a variety of health problems. It can also put your gums, teeth, and mouth at risk of developing gum disease, tooth loss, or even oral cancer. So, next time you pick up a cigarette or vape pen, consider how much you’d like to enjoy all of your natural teeth when you’re older.

The best way to learn about preventive treatments and measures you can take to protect your smile is to discuss it with your dentist in Wildwood Crest at your next checkup and cleaning. They can offer recommendations and suggestions based on your unique mouth.

About the Author

Dr. Scott Maslow has been preserving patients’ smiles so they can enjoy them for years to come for over three decades. He focuses on providing comprehensive services that offer long-lasting results. He is passionate about continuing his education and has taken over 1000 hours in additional courses. As an active member of several professional organizations, he is committed to providing high-quality care that exceeds his patients’ expectations. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Diamond Beach Dental’s website or call 609-522-3145.