When it comes to maintaining oral hygiene, protecting from cavities and tooth decay is the first thing that comes to mind.  Ignoring cavities and minor tooth decay can lead to serious issues that affect your overall oral health.  Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough; there are certain factors you should keep in mind if you want a shiny and healthy smile. It is important to know the details of cavities and tooth decay, their causes, and how to prevent them. So, let’s start-

When talking about cavities, these are dental issues that develop due to tooth decay. It can lead to various infections if ignored. In some instances, cavities can lead to tooth loss and related issues that affect overall oral health. When it comes to cavities at an early age, the baby’s teeth fall out naturally, but still, tooth decay and cavities should be prevented proactively in children. By understanding the causes and visiting a licensed dentist in chandler, it is easy to prevent tooth decay and cavities at the early stage.

Now, when it comes to tooth decay, this refers to the breakdown and damage of the tooth enamel which is the clear layer over the teeth. Enamel protects the dentin substructure. Bacteria are the main cause of tooth decay. You may not know that your mouth has a large number of bacteria, some of which help with digestion and immunity while others are opportunistic and cause tooth decay when the environment favors such.  

What are the causes of cavities and tooth decay?

The harmful bacteria in your mouth combine with the food you consume to create a plaque biofilm that sticks to the teeth. When the bacteria consume particles of food, especially starch and sugar, they generate an acid that can destroy your enamel and thus resulting in cavities and tooth decay. Some risk factors are-

1. A habit of consuming foods and drinks that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates, especially before going to bed. Sipping sugary drinks throughout the day is also much more of a risk than drinking these beverages at one sitting.
2. Having a family history of cavities and tooth decay.
3. Taking medicines that reduce saliva
4. Lack of fluoride.

Some preventative factors should be kept in mind to reduce cavity risk in the future. Most dentists recommend the following lifestyle changes-

1. Practicing and maintaining good oral hygiene which involves rinsing, flossing, and brushing.
2. Drinking fluoridated water and using toothpaste containing fluoride.
3. Visiting the dentist for regular dental checkups.

It is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year to detect any potential dental issues such as cavities. A proficient and experienced dentist can make a good dental care plan for you to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and related gums diseases. The most important thing is not to skip your appointment with the dentist. Keeping tooth decay and cavities untreated is the reason for severe dental issues. It is recommended to set up an appointment with your dentist every six months. Going through a simple dental procedure is always better than invasive dental surgery such as tooth extraction or root canals.

During the appointment, the dentist evaluates the condition of your gums and teeth. This involves checking your teeth for formation, position, and cavities. Your dentist also checks your general oral health while examining the gum tissues. In some cases, dentists suggest tooth extraction, dental bridge, and root canal treatment to help you get rid of cavities and tooth decay.

Visiting your dentist for a regular dental checkup and maintaining your oral hygiene is always the best idea to prevent various gum diseases. A good dentist encourages you to make healthy eating habits that prevent cavities and tooth decay. Also, you learn brushing techniques to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure a healthy smile.

If you are seeking the best and most experienced dentist in chandler, then relying on the experts from Peace of Mind Dental Studio is a good idea. All the dentists at POM are certified and hold years of experience in treating various dental concerns. They are specialized in preventative dentistry which includes, routine cleaning with laser therapy, dental sealants, fluoride varnish, etc. They also offer oral hygiene instructions to keep your oral health on track.

Peace of Mind Dental Studio is also a leading name in surgical dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry. From general dental care to restoring your smile, POM takes pride in offering top-notch dental services in Chandler.