Every general dentist has the same goal — to save patients’ permanent teeth. Along with providing professional care, the dentist also educates people on what they can do. In looking over these tips, some may seem evident while you find others surprising. Avoiding tooth decay is extremely important for both your oral and physical health.
The first thing is for people to understand what tooth decay is and why it is so bad. In simple terms, this is something that occurs when tooth enamel softens. This actually damages the structure of the teeth. Decay develops for a variety of reasons. Learning about the reasons helps people take the necessary preventative measures.
Whether due to poor childhood rearing, laziness or rushing to get out the door, a lot of people do not brush their teeth correctly. Not only should an individual do this after every meal and snacks but also for a minimum of two minutes. Some people actually use a kitchen timer to help them stay on track. Proper brushing removes the buildup of plaque and the growth of bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
A general dentist recommends that patients floss every day. Particularly, they should do this following every meal. Otherwise, small particles of food become stuck in between the teeth. This too causes plaque buildup and bacterial growth. Not flossing every day could also lead to gum disease. Since floss comes in a small container that easily fits in a pocket or purse, there is no excuse not to do this every day.
For many people, this one is hard. However, foods high in sugar and starch cause a reaction within the mouth. For that reason, these often lead to tooth decay. Of the two, sugar is extremely harsh on teeth. Sugary foods react with bacteria found in saliva. That causes acid to form that, in turn, erodes the teeth’s protective enamel.
Sometimes, people buy whatever toothpaste is on sale. Unfortunately, that can come at a price in the way of tooth decay. A general dentist recommends that individuals purchase a product that contains fluoride. This substance helps to strengthen tooth enamel, which fights decay. Along with the right toothpaste, people should get an anti-bacterial mouthwash and use it after every brushing.
Rather than focus solely on the teeth, people need to clean the entire mouth. This includes the tongue and gums. For the tongue, a general dentist suggests a scraper sold at any drug or discount store. Just as with the teeth, the tongue harbors bacteria. It is also essential to clean around the gumline since food particles can become trapped.
If you begin to experience any pain or discomfort, you need to see a general dentist right away. Going to the dental office early is a great way to prevent tooth decay. You might need to have a cavity filled or perhaps, a tooth cracked without you knowing it. By sticking to your regular visits, your permanent teeth will stay healthy and strong.
Request an appointment here: https://www.arcdentistry.com or call Arc Advanced Dentistry & Cosmetics at (516) 301-9038 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
General dentistry refers to routine oral health care, whether that be oral hygiene or preventive measures, such as keeping bad breath at bay. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable. General dentists often recommend a few different things, which can go a long way in maintaining a…
General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement.…
Your general dentist can give you regular dental cleanings. This type of treatment can keep bad bacteria from causing significant dental damage. That is why keeping your dental appointments is crucial. Here are the details about how important dental cleanings are, according to your general dentist.Regular dental cleanings can remove surface discolorations or stains. A…
General dentistry is a form of dental care where practitioners provide a variety of services. Patients who see a general dentist receive preventative services to help maintain good oral health and prevent disease or damage. In addition to preventive services, general dentistry also includes restorative services and cosmetic services.Dental health is essential to a patient's…
Emergency dentistry for a root canal is sometimes the only way to relieve your pain. Some patients may have a root canal scheduled for a future date, but they find themselves in severe pain at an inconvenient time because of tooth pain. There may even be times when a patient may not realize they need…
Dental bonding and teeth whitening are common dental procedures that improve the appearance of your smile. However, some patients are concerned that their teeth may not have the same shade after teeth whitening, particularly if they have had dental bonding on one or more teeth. This review helps patients deal with this concern. Understanding the difference…