What Can You Do to Keep Cavities Away?

The easiest way to handle cavities is to never get them. Dental fillings and crowns can help repair your teeth if they’ve suffered damage from harmful bacteria, but preventing cavities from forming in the first place is in the best interest of your oral health. So, what can you do to keep cavities away? Preventive dental care is actually pretty simple and straightforward. Putting in a little time and effort each day can go a long way towards keeping cavities away. If you’re an individual who constantly finds yourself struggling with cavities, then there are extra preventive steps you can take.

Keeping Cavities Away Is as Simple as Sticking to Your Home Care Routine

What are you doing to care for your teeth on a daily basis? If you aren’t doing so already, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss on a daily basis. These steps disrupt the formation of bacteria on your teeth and prevent cavities. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush to more thoroughly clean your teeth when you brush. If cavities are a difficult problem for you, start brushing your teeth after meals in addition to your two daily cleanings. Sticking to a routine like this does most of the preventive work for your teeth.

Make Sure You’re Seeing Your Dentist Twice a Year

In addition to a home care routine, you also need to stick to a schedule when visiting the dentist. Visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings allows an oral health professional to evaluate your teeth and check for any signs of trouble. A professional cleaning gets rid of the bacterial buildup that you don’t get on your own at home. The examination can reveal structural problems or cavity development that the naked eye cannot see. When you stick to a twice-a-year appointment schedule, you’ll drastically reduce your risk for oral health issues.

Additional Treatments Can Help Susceptible Teeth

Genetics play a large role in how likely you are to struggle with cavities. If you’re someone who sticks to a thorough home care routine and you visit the dentist twice a year, but you still find yourself fighting cavities, there may be additional treatments that can help. Fluoride rinse can strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Choosing a toothpaste with “tartar protection” may improve your situation as well. You may also consider changing your diet to reduce any sugar foods or drinks, which can contribute to cavity formation.

Make Preventive Dental Appointments at Elm Creek Dental

Sticking to a home care routine and a dental visit schedule are important parts of prevention. At Elm Creek Dental, we will thoroughly clean and examine your teeth to check for any signs of emerging problems. We want to help you lead a healthy, happy life, and caring for your teeth is an important part of that. Schedule a checkup by contacting Elm Creek Dental in Baxter, MN at 763-416-0606.