Top 3 Tips for Cavity Prevention at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
Cavities are little holes in teeth that can eventually cause big problems. They form when tooth-eroding acid attacks a tooth’s protective outer covering (enamel). This acid comes from your diet and certain oral bacteria that thrive in the absence of effective oral hygiene. The good news is that cavities are completely preventable, meaning it is truly possible to keep all of your natural teeth for life! Here are our top three tips to keep decay away:
1. Brush & Floss Every Day
Cavity prevention starts with a good oral hygiene routine, which removes dental plaque—a sticky film that harbors food particles and harmful bacteria.
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Floss daily: Flossing is particularly important because a toothbrush can’t reach in between the teeth the way floss can. Make sure to floss both sides of every tooth, including the back molars, at least once each day.
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Brush twice daily: Brush your teeth at least twice each day, using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that becomes part of your tooth enamel and can actually repair tiny cavities that are starting to form.
2. Pay Attention to Your Diet
Certain foods and beverages are no friends to your teeth, especially those that are acidic or sugary:
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Avoid Acidic Drinks: Soda, sports drinks, and “energy drinks” are all highly acidic—even the sugar-free varieties—and attack tooth enamel. Fruit juices can also be very acidic.
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Choose Water: Drinking water is much better for your dental health because it has a neutral pH (is non-acidic) and helps replenish your saliva, which has natural cavity-fighting properties.
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Limit Sugary/Starchy Foods: Foods like cookies, candy, donuts, and chips nourish the oral bacteria that cause cavities and raise the acidity level in your mouth.
3. See Your Dentist Regularly
Routine professional cleanings and exams at Schaefer Dental Group, your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan, are a great way to maintain excellent oral health.
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Your dental hygienist can clean areas of your mouth that you can’t reach with your toothbrush or floss.
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We check for early signs of tooth decay and take prompt action.
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We can recommend specific preventive treatments if you are particularly prone to cavities, including in-office fluoride treatments and dental sealants, as well as special mouthrinses.
Working together, we can make sure your oral hygiene routine is all it should be and that decay is kept at bay.