Interesting Facts About Tooth Decay

Created on April 15, 2023

Cavities are a serious problem and can significantly impact your oral health. Let’s talk about a few interesting facts about tooth decay:

• The bacteria that cause cavities feed on the sugar you eat and produce acid, which slowly deteriorates your tooth enamel over time.
• Cavities affect patients of all ages, though children are especially vulnerable due to the development of permanent teeth and the inability to brush and floss as effectively as adults.
• Cavities may form between two teeth or along the gum line, not just on the surface of a single tooth.
• If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious issues, such as infections within a tooth that require root canal therapy.

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

Avoiding cavities, as well as periodontal disease, is the best way to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Here are a few suggestions to consider when developing an oral hygiene plan for your needs:

• Brush after every meal, even snacks! Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste product, brush all of your teeth, and gums, after eating. This keeps plaque from forming on the teeth and along the gum line and contributes to the risk of cavities and infection.
• Floss at least once daily. Don’t forget to floss your teeth, following the form and instructions from your dental providers at New Smiles Dental. Flossing works to remove particles of food that can become trapped between the teeth and allow sugars and acids to rest on natural tooth enamel.
• Use mouthwash. Finishing your oral care with mouthwash is another step in protecting your teeth. Mouthwashes may be more specific to your oral health needs. For example, if you deal with halitosis, choose a mouthwash with a minty scent that can combat bad breath. Sensitive teeth? There’s a mouthwash for that which can reduce sensitivity when eating or drinking either hot or cold foods or beverages.
• Visit the dentist every six months. Oral evaluations and cleanings are vital to ensuring a healthy smile and should occur at least every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association. If you notice any problems between appointments, schedule a visit to undergo an examination to catch potential issues early on.

Schedule a Visit at Taylor Street Dental Today!

Do you live in the Springfield, MA, community? Are you ready to work with a dental team that can educate you on oral health and wellness practices? Connect with Drs. Peck, Homsi, Tyra, and Seo of Taylor Street Dental to discuss your needs. The office can be reached by calling 413-781-7645 to request a visit.

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