Without routine care and other steps to protect your smile, you could become vulnerable to tooth decay, leading to serious discomfort and even the risk of an infection. In today’s blog, your Overland Park, KS, dentist looks at what you can be doing to help protect your smile from tooth decay while you’re staying home!
The Causes of Cavity
The outer enamel protects the inner tooth structure from bacteria, which could otherwise cause decay or an infection. But what weakens the enamel and allows a cavity to develop? If you injure a tooth, then the cracked or chipped tooth could expose the inner dentin to bacteria. In addition, poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar could lead to plaque buildup accumulating on the surfaces of the teeth. The plaque then erodes the enamel, allowing decay to form eventually. Plaque buildup is also linked to bad breath, gingivitis and gum disease, and discoloration.
Your Defense Options
To protect your smile, you need to limit plaque buildup until we can see you again to remove all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. You should start the day by brushing your teeth for about two minutes. You need to repeat this before bed and each time, be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Before bed, you also need to floss thoroughly too, as this reaches the bits of food that a toothbrush alone often cannot. Be sure to cut back on sugary foods and drinks to, as the particles could feed bacteria and lead to the creation of plaque and tartar (calcified plaque).
When to Seek Treatment
We’re still here for emergency care, which means when you develop a cavity or an infection, then you should contact our team for treatment. We will often use a filling to correct the issue. We remove the decay from your tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we prepare the metal-free and lifelike composite resin and apply it in several layers. After curing the material under a light, the tooth is polished for a more natural appearance, correcting the smile in a single sitting. If you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity, the please contact our team today. We want to make sure your smile stays whole and healthy!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Care?
We understand that our routine habits have a major impact on our risk of developing cavities, and we want you to make better choices to improve your smile’s function and beauty. To learn more about avoiding the onset of issues like dental cavities, then schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.