Dental Care Tips to Avoid Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons to visit a Gilbert dental clinic. Most people would refer to tooth decay as a cavity, which can cause tooth sensitivity, severe tooth pain, discoloration of the teeth, and even visible pitting or holes in the teeth. If cavities are left untreated, the bacteria that caused them can continue to erode into the tooth pulp, resulting in the need for more extensive treatment, such as a root canal.

It’s important that you see your Gilbert dentist routinely to get dental care that can help prevent cavities. Here are a few other things you can do to help avoid tooth decay:

Brush after Eating

After you eat, food particles can stick to your teeth, attracting bacteria and leading to plaque. The best thing you can do to prevent plaque is to brush your teeth after eating. Make sure you do so with a toothpaste that has fluoride, which will provide additional protection for your teeth. Then follow up with flossing to get rid of any food particles that are wedged between your teeth.

Rinse Your Mouth

You may not always be able to brush your teeth after you eat. You can still provide some measure of protection for your teeth by rinsing them. You can drink a glass of water if that’s all that’s available. If possible, consider rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash (one backed by fluoride, if possible). You’ll wash away some of the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, and you’ll provide extra protection with the fluoride.

Avoid Frequent Eating and Drinking

Constant snacking or sipping on drinks that are not water can regularly coat your teeth in sugar that attracts bacteria. You can protect your teeth by avoiding frequent snacking. Stick to three meals a day, and try not to nibble between them. Drink water as a default, and keep your sugary drinks to your meals. Follow up with brushing.

Minimize Foods that are Bad for Teeth

Some foods are worse for your teeth than others. Sugary foods are especially problematic since they attract the bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Sugary foods that will stick to your teeth are especially harmful, such as sticky candies, ice cream, cookies, and brownies. You should limit these foods and focus on healthy alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The best thing you can do for your dental health is to have regular visits with your dentist in Gilbert. Your dentist will inspect the overall health of your teeth and identify potential issues when they are in the earliest stage. If you are at risk for a cavity, your dentist will note signs like excessive plaque or staining. Your dentist will also talk to you about your dental hygiene habits and make any needed recommendations for improvements.

If you do have a cavity, your Gilbert dentist can catch it in its earliest stages so that treatment is easier and you do not suffer more extensive damage.

Get Appropriate Dental Treatments

Your Gilbert dentist can also offer you dental treatments that can reduce your risk of cavities and promote your overall dental health. For example, dental sealants provide protective plastic coatings over the surfaces of your back teeth. Sealants help prevent acids and bacteria from getting into the nooks and crannies of your back teeth.

Your dentist in Gilbert can also offer fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth or antibacterial treatments to help cut down the bacteria in your mouth. Other treatments may be available, depending on the type of oral health issues you are experiencing. Ask your dentist what would work best for you.

Cavities and tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems. It’s important that you take steps to protect your teeth on your own, as well as to get regular Gilbert dental care. You’ll keep your natural teeth longer, while also making them strong and beautifully clean.

Contact Gilbert Vista Dental Care to make an appointment with Dr. Rita A. Peck and her team. You can schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, or you can discuss other dental concerns that you’ve been experiencing, such as tooth pain or sensitivity (which may be a sign of decay). We pride ourselves on offering superior dental care and friendly service. Call our Gilbert dental office today to make an appointment.

Gilbert Vista Dental Care
2451 East Baseline Road #210
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Phone: (480) 503-5467
Email: info@drritapeck.com
Website: https://drritapeck.com/