According to a study by the CDC, over 90% of American adults have had one or more cavities. About half of children with baby teeth, and over half of adolescents with permanent teeth, have had a cavity. Unlike our skin and bones, teeth don’t heal naturally. A crack, chip, or cavity requires treatment by a dentist. The good news is that you can take measures right now to deter cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that would otherwise cost you time and money to repair. Because oral health is interwoven with systemic health, preventing cavities is an essential part of oral healthcare.
If you experience a toothache or failing dental work, or you have not seen a dentist in the past six months, call Metro Dental Care in Denver today at 303-534-2626. We are accepting new patients and invite you to experience modern, comfortable dentistry in our inviting office. Our administrative team files most insurances and we offer practical payment plans for larger cases.
How Preventing Cavities Saves
Not only will cavity prevention save you from oral health woes, bad breath, and toothaches, but it will also help you avoid expensive treatments.
If you have dental insurance, it should pay all or part of the fees for preventive visits–checkups and cleanings–every six months. These appointments allow the dentist to find pre-cavity areas where tooth enamel is demineralizing. In some cases, we can halt demineralization with fluoride treatment.
Small cavities can be treated quickly with fillings. Larger cavities may require a dental crown or root canal therapy to save the tooth. Even with dental insurance and our reasonable fees, the expense can add up.
The more invasive the treatment you need, the longer it will take. While fillings are administered chairside in a single visit, crowns take a few appointments and root canal procedures can be lengthy, too. Preventing cavities will keep you from spending invaluable, irreplaceable time in the dental chair!
How to Deter or Prevent Cavities
Though there’s no guarantee that you will prevent cavities from forming, a diligent daily oral hygiene practice at home, coupled with six-month checkups and cleanings, can reduce your risk. Follow these guidelines for preventive dental homecare:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush your teeth in the morning and evening for two minutes.
- Before every evening brushing, thoroughly floss between all teeth. If you find flossing difficult, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate comfortable, effective techniques.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove plaque and debris.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
- Limit the amount of starchy, sugary foods and drinks you consume.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adults should consume a minimum of eight cups of water daily. Sipping water between meals helps cleanse and moisten the mouth. Rinsing after meals and snacks can dislodge food particles and flush starches from the oral cavity.
- If you drink sports beverages, sodas, juices, or other sugary beverages use a straw. This will reduce the contact time between teeth and starches.
- Choose crunchy, fresh veggies instead of starchy snacks. Not only are they rich in vitamins and minerals, but crisp veggies also clean teeth as you bite and chew them.
- Reduce the amount of acidic foods and drinks you consume. For instance, citrus fruits and drinks create a highly acidic oral environment, which leads to cavities. If you consume acidic foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Visit Metro Dental Care of Denver every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Opt for professional fluoride rinse or varnish at your appointments.
- Children can have dental sealants placed on molars to create a barrier against bad bacteria and food particles that cause cavities.
Call Metro Dental Care of Denver Today
For answers to all your dental health questions, including preventing cavities, call Metro Dental Care today at 303-534-2626 and schedule your appointment. We are accepting new patients and look forward to helping you and your loved ones enjoy great oral health and beautiful smiles for years to come!
