If you’re looking for a way to help prevent cavity formation, family dentistry in Willow Knolls, IL, is the answer. Cavities, aka tooth decay, are decayed parts of your teeth that form into tiny holes. These small holes may seem harmless, but they can lead to pain and severe infection if they remain untreated.
CDC reports show that 52% of children between the ages of six and eight have at least one cavity in their baby teeth, while 57% of adolescents have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. You may think adults are exempted, but on the contrary, 90% of those above 20 years old have at least one cavity. The good news is that cavities are preventable.
How to Prevent Cavity Formation
Brush Your Teeth Daily
The most effective strategy in fighting against cavities is brushing daily. When brushing, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes.
It’s vital to ensure that the toothpaste you choose contains fluoride, as it helps keep your enamel strong. Besides brushing, family dentists encourage you to floss and remove food debris and plaque lodged in between your teeth.
Rinse With Fluoride
Your family dentist will assess your teeth during your oral exam and determine if you have a high-cavity risk. If you are at risk of cavities, you may be recommended to rinse with fluoride as part of your oral care routine.
Regular Dental Visits
Just because you brush and floss your teeth at home doesn’t mean you won’t develop cavities. Unfortunately, even the most diligent brushers are surprised to learn that they have tooth decay. Your oral care routine can only do so much.
Keep in mind that your toothbrush won’t be able to reach all surfaces of your mouth, making hard-to-reach parts prone to plaque and tartar buildup. This is where routine teeth cleaning gets in the picture.
During an in-office tooth cleaning, your dentist will use special tools and techniques to scrape off traces of plaque and tartar on all surfaces of your teeth, including areas that your toothbrush can’t access.
Dental visits also give you opportunities to learn how to keep your teeth healthy. For example, your family dentist can show you the proper way to brush and demonstrate efficient flossing techniques to help control plaque buildup.
Dental Sealants
Your family dentist may suggest dental sealants to protect your back teeth from forming cavities. The chewing surfaces of your back teeth are highly susceptible to cavities because that’s where all the action takes place. Plus, the grooves and fissures provide more places for bacteria to hide.
The CDC recommends the application of dental sealants for school-age children. The efficacy of sealants can last up to several years. After then, they’ll need to be replaced.
Do You Need Family Dentistry in Willow Knolls, IL?
As long as you establish an oral care routine and visit your family dentist regularly for routine teeth cleanings, you can help keep cavities at bay. At Smalltown Dental, your oral health is our top priority. We offer a relaxing environment for all our patients while they receive top-notch dental treatments bespoke to their unique needs. Contact us today for a reservation.
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