How to Prevent Cavities from Getting Worse?

Tooth cavity is a common issue that affects one in four adults and over half of teenagers in the US. Teeth are one of the most important features of your overall appearance, as well as a key indicator of good health. Brushing and flossing are two essential steps for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, to prevent cavities from getting worse, you can take simple measures discussed in this blog.

Understanding Cavities

Dental cavities occur when part of the tooth begins to rot. Cavities can form at any time, depending on the tooth area, acid exposure, and the health of the tooth enamel. Causes of decay include: 

• Poor nutrition or hygiene habits
• Excessive sugar intake
• Not brushing or flossing teeth
• Smoking
• Not getting adequate fluoride

What can you do to avoid these causes? 

Change your diet

The diet is crucial in preventing cavities, as sugar and starch-containing foods and drinks can cause acid-producing bacteria in the mouth that erode tooth enamel. Although our saliva helps fight off these acid attacks, frequent consumption can lead to tooth loss and cavities. To prevent tooth decay, limit between-meal snacks, save sugary drinks for special occasions, and limit fruit juice. It’s also important to avoid sugary foods after bedtime, as saliva flow decreases during sleep, which limits tooth repair. You must monitor your eating habits and get help by following the Newtown dental care routine.

Maintaining oral hygiene

Brushing teeth and flossing are simple yet effective ways to prevent cavities. Brushing your teeth after meals and before sleeping helps prevent bacteria from lingering on your teeth overnight, which can lead to cavities. Additionally, Regular flossing followed by daily brushing can also help prevent cavities from getting worse. Since fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay and early decay, it can be included in the routine through drinking fluoridated water, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, applying fluoride gel or varnish, prescribing fluoride tablets, and using a fluoride mouth rinse. 

Look for early signs.

To improve oral health, it’s crucial to self-determine your risk of cavities and then undergo a comprehensive dental exam to receive a risk analysis. If you experience the following signs, you may have cavities. 

• Consistent toothache and sensitivity 
• Mild to sharp pain when drinking cold water or eating sweets  
• Visible holes or pits in teeth
• Brown, black, or white staining on tooth surfaces
• Pain when biting down

Proper examinations by your dentist can help determine the necessary treatments and changes in oral hygiene and diet. The evidence-based approach of Newtown dentists focuses on identifying problems at their earliest stages and using this information to tailor treatments and preventive actions.

Take immediate help

For excessive symptoms of dental problems, you need to seek immediate treatment, such as : 

• Get fluoride treatments that are more potent than store-bought toothpaste and mouth rinses.
• Get fillings, as they are crucial when a cavity has progressed beyond the enamel.
• A dentist might also suggest getting crowns, custom-fitted covers that are placed over the tooth to treat extensive decay.
• Root canals might also be necessary when the cavity reaches inside the tooth.

Dental fillings are a common and durable method for treating cavities. There are several types of fillings, each with its benefits. Through Newtown Dental Care, you can get composite or resin fillings, ceramic fillings (usually porcelain), and glass ionomer fillings, depending on your case.

Wrapping up

Home remedies won’t get rid of existing cavities, but they may help prevent cavities from growing and prevent new ones from forming. Early detection of cavities makes it easier for dentists to repair them with precision. Newtown Dentistry offers specialized services for adults and children, providing a welcoming, friendly environment. Contact us for dental care.