“Brush more.” “Floss more.” Don’t those words sound familiar? Most of us are trying to do the right thing, but even after more brushing and flossing, we still get those stubborn cavities. Why is this? Well, to understand how to prevent a cavity, it is important to first understand what a cavity is.
A cavity is also known as “tooth decay,” which is the destruction of your enamel. How does enamel get negatively impacted? Plaque.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that stays on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugar, it provides the bacteria in your mouth with the proper nutrients to form plaque. Plaque then attacks. Plaque produces acids that attack tooth enamel. These acids can create a hole in the tooth.
For cavity prevention, here are some important things to consider:
• Dry mouth: Saliva helps to neutralize the acid in our mouth. When we have less saliva, we do not have the proper bad bacteria fighters. Certain medications and chemotherapy can cause dry mouth. To combat this, make sure to drink lots of water. It is important to note that certain lozenges do contain a significant amount of sugar that can cause more harm. For this reason, it is imperative to take a close look at the dietary labels.
• Diet: Acidic foods or carbonated drinks attack your teeth and give the bad bacteria the proper nutrients to keep on attacking your enamel. If you choose to eat or drink these items, it is recommended to try not to do it all day long. It is better to do this at one meal then drink plenty of water for the rest of the day. By doing this, you are allowing your enamel a chance to “fight” back, which is termed remineralization. Another vital consideration, everything that is put in our mouth goes to your gut. If your gut health is not to par, this can affect your mouth health and vice versa.
• Genetics: Enamel strength and saliva makeup can have an effect on how many cavities you get. That being said, there are certain things you can do to help combat this. That is, taking proper care of your teeth and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
• Brushing and flossing: These two tools are imperative when it comes to removing plaque on your teeth and between your teeth. As a reminder make sure you are checking the quality of your toothbrush regularly. The bristles should be soft and not flared.
Furthermore, it is a myth that brushing harder will remove more plaque. Tooth brushing should be done in circular motion like a gentle massage. This will also prevent gum recession. Lastly, when flossing, try making a “c” shape between the tooth. In other words, hug your tooth with your floss. Both brushing and flossing will make a significant impact when done correctly.
Once a cavity is large enough, you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets. If a cavity is left untreated, it can affect the nerve of the tooth and cause greater difficulties, such as pain when biting or keeping you up at night.
If more information is needed or you want help figuring out why you may be getting more cavities, make sure to talk to your dentist. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.
Dr. Rebecca Stevens is the owner of Shawano Family Dentistry. Readers can contact her at 715-524-4935.
Cavity prevention requires more than brushing
