Dental caries is a result of tooth decay and yet, completely preventable with the proper oral hygiene regimen. People may not realize the tooth decay begins with an erosion of the tooth enamel that causes holes in the teeth. These holes are known as cavities. If we do not treat dental caries, they will worsen to the point where we need to remove the entire tooth. In fact, this infection has the potential to spread to the root canal, gums and jaw bone. Dental caries can eventually result in tooth loss as well as bone loss.
Foods that have sugar and starch spur a reaction within the mouth that causes tooth decay. Sugar interacts with bacteria within the saliva to create an acid that leads to tooth enamel erosion. So do not consume sugar-laden beverages like soda and juice with artificial sugar added. If you have a hankering for sweets, choose dark chocolate and clean your teeth after indulging.
While it seems like brushing one's teeth two times per day would be easy enough, plenty of people fail to do it. Brush your teeth at least once in the morning and once at night. This brushing will eliminate built-up plaque and bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well. The tongue is chock full of bacteria. People need to clean the tongue thoroughly with a tongue scraper or toothbrush.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel on the teeth and thwarts tooth decay. Fluoride is in tap water, toothpaste and specialized trays provided by the dentist. It might also be possible to take fluoride in pill form if the dentist believes it will assist with one's oral health challenges.
Brushing in and of itself will not suffice for a thorough cleaning of the teeth. Floss is necessary to reach those small crevices the brush bristles cannot reach. The bottom line is if an individual does not floss, then the mouth is not truly clean. The plaque will gradually accumulate in the small spaces between the teeth and around the gum line, causing tooth decay, gum disease and other problems. So be sure to floss at least once per day. Ideally, the individual will floss after meals as well.
If a person notices any differences in his or her gums, it is a sign something bad is happening in the mouth. If the gums appear to be inflamed or the person sees blood when brushing, then the person needs to consider these signs of underlying issues. When flossing, people need to make sure to glide the floss between the gums and the tooth and move it around a bit to loosen all those food particles. Furthermore, it will help to swish with a mouthwash that has fluoride to combat dental caries and other issues with the gums.
Abide by a regular schedule of dental examinations and treatments to minimize the chances of dental caries. The dentist will analyze the patient's mouth, check for dental caries, perform a thorough cleaning and help in other ways. The patient needs to follow the dentist's advice to combat dental caries. By doing so, the mouth will prove to be that much healthier as time progresses. Call Woodruff Dental at (480) 347-1456 to schedule an appointment today in our Scottsdale office.
For anyone who grinds his or her teeth at night, there are possible options for at-home treatment. Grinding teeth can wear down the tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Since the teeth grinding occurs at night, it can be difficult for the individual to prevent it without extra assistance. We can determine your specific needs…
Make sure the weekends remain great by preventing dental infection with the proper care.Preventative dental care occurs in our office and at home with proper dental hygiene. We can perform professional cleanings and examinations, while you keep your teeth healthy by brushing at home.Preventative Dental CareAt Woodruff Dental in Scottsdale, we work to customize your…
Infection doesn't take a break on the weekend and neither should you. Keep up routine dental care 24/7Routine dental care is important for a healthy set of teeth. While we can provide routine dental care during appointments, you need to keep it up at home through brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.Routine…
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis are great for one’s oral health, but there are still ways in which people can unintentionally harm the health of their teeth. Many people know that sugar is bad for the enamel of one’s teeth but may not realize there are other foods that can cause as much…
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Scottsdale, AZ area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Invisalign Dentist, Family Dentist, Implant Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Implants, Dental Bridges, Dental Crowns and Clear Braces.
If you are often afraid to share your smile with the world, then it might be time to get your teeth done. A smile lightens up conversations and makes you look younger and happier. With all the cosmetic options available, you can get a wide variety of procedures to improve the look and shape of…