Keep Your Teeth For A Lifetime!
Cavities are started from a combination of:
- A high sugar diet
- A tooth whose shape is susceptible to decay, such as back molars, and the
- Presence of bacteria (plaque)
Interfering with one or more of these factors can prevent a cavity from forming. This can be done by:
Use of Fluorides
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by actually entering the tooth and making it harder and more resistant to decay. Topical fluorides are those agents which are put directly on the teeth such as toothpastes, rinses, gels, or fluoride applications at the dental office. Systemic fluorides refer to fluoride that is swallowed. Examples include fluoridated water, tablets, drops, or vitamins.
Use of Sealants
Sealants are thin plastic-like coverings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These teeth may have irregular surfaces because of deep pits and grooves. By forming a thin covering over these areas, plaque and food cannot accumulate to produce decay. Sealants are particularly beneficial to newly erupted teeth.
Good Nutrition
There is more to diet and good dental health than refraining from eating foods containing sugar. The amount of such food is not the only factor that causes cavities. The frequency of eating these foods, the length of time the foods stay in your mouth and the physical characteristics of the foods are of equal importance. Eating foods from the four basic food groups while limiting sugar intake is important in building strong teeth, and healthy gums.
Good Oral Hygiene
Toothbrushing removes plaque and food from your teeth. A soft brush with round tipped bristles is recommended to limit damage to you gums. Thorough brushing should be done at least once a day (and preferable after meals) to remove plaque. Flossing is also recommended once a day to remove plaque and food from the gums and between the teeth.
Regular Dental Care
Regular dental check-ups are important for good oral health. With regular dental visits, your dentist can find and treat early decay (cavities), apply fluoride to help prevent future cavities and provide nutrition and oral hygiene counseling.
Remember, the final responsibility for good dental health is yours. You are the one who must take the time to prevent dental disease. If you choose, you can keep your teeth a LIFETIME!
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