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Teeth Cleaning: Prevent a Cavity with These Dentist Tips

Friday - August 18th, 2017
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Teeth Cleaning and Cavities

Having a clean bill of oral health at your next dental check-up goes beyond minty breath and a squeaky clean smile. Taking care of your chompers the right way between visits (with tips from our local dentists) is just as important to prevent deeper dental issues like a cavity from forming – while keeping your dentist visits affordable.

Routine brushing and flossing, combined with a visit to your family dentist for professional teeth cleanings and dental checkups are the perfect combination of prevention and protection against cavities and oral ailments. Even with the best brushing techniques, it’s important to maintain a regular visit to your dentist for an exam and teeth cleaning every six months. Unfortunately or fortunately, our mouths are complex orifices that can be difficult to comprehensively care for at home. These kinds of areas, along with prolonged time away from your dentist, will sometimes result in the formation of a cavity tooth.

We all dread hearing, “It looks like you may have a cavity”, which is why we work hard at home to brush and floss in the hopes of preventing this from happening. However, taking advantage of a local Monarch dentist can benefit in a number of ways in addition to equipping your teeth to defend against a cavity formation. Check out some expert advice from our top dentists below!

What is a Cavity?

A cavity tooth, also known as a dental carrier, is a small hole formed on the tooth’s surface that is caused by decay. After consuming any kind of meal that contains sugars, a film of bacteria forms on your teeth. This bacteria is known as plaque and produces acid that can break down the enamel on your teeth. Over time, plaque will continuously break down the enamel and form tiny holes in the tooth’s structure if not removed with brushing or flossing right away (usually within 48 hours). This plaque will find its way into small crevices in between your teeth, especially if you have any crookedness, overlapping, or tooth crowding.

The reason a teeth cleaning during your professional exam is necessary is because of how plaque tends to harden. If plaque is not removed right away, it will turn into tartar. This calcified substance can contribute to tooth decay, and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss. At your dental checkup, your Monarch dentist will use special tools to gently scrape off this hard substance, leaving your enamel free from potential tooth decay.

Cavities in children can also differ from cavities in adulthood. At your next dental checkup, the pediatric dentist may have different recommendations depending on your child’s age. A cavity in a child’s tooth can sometimes later impact their permanent teeth that are forming at the root. Dentists recommend teaching kids to brush properly, practicing clean eating habits, and scheduling routine dental visits (even when schedules are busy) to encourage lifelong oral care in children.

Children active in sports and those even younger are at an increased risk of weakened teeth. This is especially true for toddlers, as a common cause of tooth decay is going to bed with a bottle. This is also known as “baby bottle tooth decay”. When sugars are left on a child’s teeth for prolonged periods of time, they’re more susceptible to cavity formation. Be sure to use a soft bristle brush and encourage flossing at least twice a day to encourage proper oral hygiene. During your next local dentist visit, ask your Monarch staff for recommendations specific to your child so that may continue on a trend of good habits into into adulthood.

As adults, regular visits to your dentist for deep teeth cleaning serves a bigger purpose, staving off the risk of periodontal disease. Depending on how well you’ve taken care of your teeth, you may also run the risk of receding gumlines. Our dentists see these cases frequently contribute to cavity formation, as a receding gum line exposes the roots of your teeth. These roots are much softer than the exterior enamel on your teeth and therefore more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. At your Monarch dental checkup, our expert dentists can pinpoint this condition early, and recommend different methods of care and restoration (fillings) to ensure your teeth remain cavity free.

Tips for Cavity Prevention

You can prevent cavities by adhering to our dentists’ standards of oral care and calling your local dentist to schedule an appointment. Look no further for the best “dentist near me” than our friendly Monarch staff, awaiting your call at 1-844-800-7645.

Until your next appointment, follow these tips directly from our expert dentists to prevent a cavity and keep your smile feeling fresh –

  1. Brush regularly. It’s recommended to brush twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing after every meal and snack is ideal for improving dental care one step further. Follow brushing with floss to reach between teeth and gumlines, where plaque is most likely to be stuck.
  2. Make your dentist visit a routine. It’s important to visit your dentist at least every six months so they may perform professional teeth cleaning that prevent cavities, and promote good dental health standards. We’ve made it easy to request an appointment online, and the more frequently your mouth is being examined, the quicker you’ll be in and out!
  3. Consider fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a great way to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, and can be applied in various ways. Many patients are unaware that tap water provides a good source of fluoride when consumed. Most cities treat their tap water with small amounts of fluoride, which our dentists always recommend as part of your teeth cleaning. A range of different mouthwash products may also contain fluoride to strengthen teeth between your next appointment.
  4. Ask your dentist about dental sealants. Sealants are able to cover the nooks and crannies (from chewing, grinding, and normal wear) on the tops of your teeth where plaque removal can be a bit difficult. When administered by a Monarch dentist, sealants can last a long period of time and are a great way to seal a tooth, protecting it from a cavity forming.
  5. Eat foods that prevent cavities. While keeping your teeth in mind, consider foods low in sugar that can contribute to a stronger, healthier smile. For children, refrain from candies that require sucking, or filling a bottle with sugary drinks. Foods like cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, and unsweetened coffee or tea are great options that contribute to less sugar buildup and assist in rinsing bacteria.
  6. Talk to your dentist. If you aren’t sure the best methods to prevent cavities for your lifestyle, we love to answer questions! Our Monarch staff is happy to schedule a consult or appointment at one of our convenient locations, where patient needs are always first. We encourage you to take advantage of our complete list of dental services to make the most of your Monarch visit.

Visit Your Local Dentist

Consider your nearest Monarch Dental location for an affordable, professional teeth cleaning that suits your needs. Incorporating routine dental check-ups and cleanings allows your dentist to assess the state of your oral health and prevent a cavity from affecting your teeth or their enamel.

Our expert dentists will take your dental history into consideration when choosing the proper cleaning procedure, whether your suffer from periodontal disease, receding gumlines, or extensive cavities. Teeth cleaning procedures are painless, quick, and the surest way to maintain great oral health care that will last a lifetime. Book your appointment, or give us a call at 1.844.800.7645 and one of our friendly staff members will assist you.