How concerned should you really be about the formation of a cavity? If you act in time to arrange restorative dental work, a dental filling may be enough to address the problem. With that said, tooth decay can grow increasingly serious if the problem goes untreated. Eventually, bacteria can spread and harm your tooth so severely that the only treatment option remaining is to extract it! At our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office, we have helped many people deal with different degrees of tooth decay. We can also provide guidance during routine dental exams to help you avoid future problems. Remember that even a small cavity will do permanent damage to your tooth structure, something you certainly want to avoid.
1. Check On How Long It Takes You To Brush Your Teeth
If you want to do a good job brushing, give yourself more time to do this task well. It should take you at least two minutes to finish cleaning your teeth when you brush. Rushing this process can lead to areas going untreated, which leads to problems with plaque and tartar buildup, and eventually decay. While brushing for longer can be beneficial, be careful not to brush too aggressively. Forceful brushing can be a problem because you can wear down your enamel and make your teeth more likely to experience decay.
2. Make Flossing Part Of Your Daily Oral Care Routine
If you want to protect yourself against tooth decay and gum disease, you should make sure you are cleaning every part of your smile. With this in mind, it is important to think about the value that flossing provides for your oral care routine. Trying to clean between teeth with brushing alone can lead to less effective care. Remember that in order to see the full benefits of flossing, you need to fully clean those spaces where teeth meet. In other words, move the floss string vertically, not just up and down.
3. Drop Soft Drinks In Favor Of Water During Meals
Cutting back on soft drinks does more than just reduce your daily sugar intake. Even in their diet form, these beverages can be a problem due to their acidity. Acidic products can weaken teeth, making it easier for decay to form. This problem can also lead to more teeth stains, which can have an easier time gathering on weakened enamel. Water is a beneficial alternative because it does not cause problems for teeth, and because it can help you wash away food debris while you eat.
Your Maple Grove, MN Dentist Can Take Care Of Your Cavity!
Our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office is ready to take care of patients who need treatment for tooth decay. With that said, we are also committed to encouraging patients to practice good habits in order to avoid cavities, which cause permanent damage to your enamel. For more information, call Elm Creek Dental at 763-416-0606.