Understanding and preventing cavities is extremely important. Cavities, if not treated and detected early, can lead to much more serious dental problems. In the most severe cases, cavities may even cause tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to identify and treat dental emergencies as soon as they occur.

 

The best way to start understanding and preventing cavities is through a dental clinic’s in-house dental patient education programs. Many dental clinics offer these types of educational workshops to their new patients and to those of their practice. The clinics may conduct brief, one-on-one consultations with the new patients. During these consultations, the dental professionals ask questions about what kinds of foods and drinks new patients should avoid to prevent tooth decay.

 

The dental professionals also educate the new patients on the importance of brushing their teeth several times each day. This includes flossing and tooth brushing. Many people fail to floss and experience premature tooth decay. This is because they do not fully understand the importance of flossing and brushing their teeth. If one does not brush his or her teeth enough, they may experience cavities before they have the chance to manifest themselves in a visible way.

 

Another common ailment among new and young children is dry mouth. Children who have never experienced this condition are unaware of what it is. As the mouth becomes dry, it allows bacteria to grow that causes cavities in tooth enamel. The baby teeth are susceptible to dry mouth. Therefore, the dentist should be made aware of the fact that some babies have a tendency toward dry mouth and that he or she should monitor the condition of the baby’s teeth.

 

New and young babies sometimes experience pain and sensitivity when their baby teeth are knocked out. They become upset when this occurs. However, this problem is nothing to worry about. The baby will soon grow accustomed to the new mouth and develop its own strategies to protect its sensitive teeth – heat and cold sensitivity.

 

Some babies may also experience tooth sensitivity. This is usually due to the presence of milk residue in the mouth. The antibiotic prophylaxis taken by the mother while nursing can help alleviate this problem. Nevertheless, a special dental appliance called a proboscis with a suction cup can be used to remove the residue from sensitive teeth – heat and cold sensitivity.

 

Moms and dads may also be at risk for cavities if they smoke. Cigarette smoking accelerates tooth decay because it weakens the enamel. It also increases the risk of developing cavities. Therefore, quitting smoking as soon as possible can reduce the risks of cavities. In addition, the use of alcohol and soft drinks should be limited because these beverages have been shown to inhibit dental care. A good dental hygiene program that incorporates brushing twice daily and flossing is advisable.

 

If you are concerned about cavities or have a child who is concerned about developing cavities, you should visit your dentist. Your dentist will likely diagnose cavities using a special tool called an enamel calculator. Once your dentist has identified the suspected cause of the tooth decay, he will likely recommend a treatment plan including fluoride treatment. In many cases, the treatment process can be completed in one office visit. Understanding and preventing cavities by following good oral hygiene and a regular dentist visit can help prevent tooth decay and save your child’s dental future.

 

Preventive tooth decay starts in the mouth. The bacteria that causes tooth decay works with calcium from the bones to eat away at tooth structure and eventually lead to cavities. Good oral hygiene practices, such as daily dental visits and professional cleanings, can help prevent cavities before they occur. Fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective weapons in your arsenal to combating tooth decay. However, in some areas, fluoride is not available.

 

Even if fluoride is available in the area where you live, there are other factors that make fluoridation less effective. Fluoride toothpaste does little to prevent cavities when it is only used in conjunction with regular dental visits. Dental professionals recommend that all adults visit a dentist at least once a year for a professional cleaning and check-up. The earlier cavities are detected, the more effectively they will be treated.

 

It’s important to understand and prevent cavities to protect your overall dental health. Cavities are not only painful, they also deny you the ability to chew your food properly, which leads to bigger problems down the road. If you have a cavity, speak with your dentist about ways you can get your teeth check by an expert. With early detection and proper treatment, you can enjoy a healthy mouth and smile again.