Mastering Dental Hygiene: A Guide to Keeping Your Pearly whites Shining Bright, According to Experts
Frequent sources of tooth decay - plus strategies for averting them
Got a cavity? Don't fret! Here are the secrets to preventing this pesky oral problem, straight from the mouth of a renowned dentist.
Brace yourself as Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS of Texas, shares her expert insights into maintaining optimal oral care.
Cavities, or "dental caries," as they're officially called, are unfortunately widespread, impacting nearly 90% of adults aged 19 to 64, as reported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. These rogue lesions affect hard portions of the teeth caused by tooth decay.
So what are these unwelcome intruders, exactly? They're basically tiny openings—think holes—that can lead to toothaches, infections, and, in worst-case scenarios, tooth loss.
Spotting the Early Warning Signs
In their incipient stages, cavities might go unnoticed, leaving you clueless about their existence. However, it's essential to get checked regularly by a dentist to detect these silent enemies before they escalate.
Once a cavity takes roots, you might experience symptoms such as toothaches, sharp pains upon eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the tooth surface, or pain when biting. Remember, cavities are gateways for bacteria to invade and wreak havoc on your tooth's vulnerable inner portions.
The Causes Behind Cavities
The culprit behind cavities is a nasty combination of dental plaque and oral bacteria. This unholy alliance forms when bacteria in your mouth mixes with sugary or starchy foods like milk, juice, bread, pasta, and the like, as explained by Cleveland Clinic. If these sugars and starches remain undisturbed, the bacteria begin to feast on them, churning out harmful acids that erode tooth enamel and create microscopic openings – the foundation for a cavity.
Need more insight into the effect of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health? Check out our previous conversation with dentist Dr. Ricky Marshall.
"The stomach acid combines with saliva and additional acids to form a potent acid bath that destroys your teeth," Marshall, the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, previously told us. A dry mouth, which is often due to factors like snoring or certain medications, can increase the risk of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production, which is crucial for neutralizing acids and aiding enamel repair.
Putting an End to the Cavity Saga
Now that you're up to speed on the enemy, here's how to flip the script and take charge of your dental health:
- Embrace Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (preferably after every meal) using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to floss daily!
- Say No to Sugar Overload: Keep sugary, starchy foods and drinks to a minimum. Frequent snacking exposes your teeth to harmful acids for extended periods, getting in the way of enamel repair and making it easier for bacteria to take hold.
- Saliva Savvy: Stay hydrated to keep the saliva flowing—it alkalizes the mouth, neutralizes acids, and aids enamel remineralization. If you're dealing with dry mouth (xerostomia), consider using saliva substitutes.
- Fluoride-tastic: Fluoride can significantly reduce your risk of cavities by fortifying tooth enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and consult your dentist about additional fluoride treatments if needed.
- Guard Against Bruxism: If you grind your teeth (bruxism), wear a mouthguard during sleep to protect your hard-working pearly whites from unwanted wear and tear.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to cavities. Stay informed, stay committed to your oral hygiene routine, and you'll be well on your way to a cavity-free life!
Regular dental visits are crucial in detecting cavities early, as they might go unnoticed in their initial stages. To prevent cavities, implement a strong health-and-wellness regimen that includes science-backed dental practices, such as brushing twice daily, limiting sugar intake, staying hydrated to promote saliva production, using fluoride products, and seeking dental treatment for bruxism if necessary.
