Dental cavities can form for a variety of reasons. When they do occur, patients often complain of tooth sensitivity or persistent toothaches. Without treatment, the risk of dental infection and in extreme cases, tooth loss, can increase. Fortunately, there are steps to keep your smile cavity-free.
Try Our Quiz on Preventing Dental Cavities
- True or False: Poor oral hygiene can lead to decay.
- True or False: Watching what you eat can protect your smile.
- True or False: Don’t ignore any injuries to your teeth.
- True or False: A cleaning can also help protect your smile.
Answer Key
- True. When we don’t take care of our smiles, plaque buildup can form after bacteria breaks down particles of food. The buildup causes the outer enamel to erode, making a path for bacteria to reach the inner layers of dentin. A cavity can then form. To improve oral hygiene, we suggest brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.
- True. Foods and drinks high in sugar and other starches can lead to weakened tooth enamel, as they provide sugar particles for bacteria to feed on, leading to greater levels of plaque buildup. We suggest drinking more water instead of soda and eating healthier foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.
- True. An injury can also compromise the outer layer of enamel. If you chip or crack a tooth, don’t delay treatment. See your dentist right away. We can often repair teeth with a filling, dental bonding, or a lifelike dental crown.
- True. Performed every six months, a dental cleaning removes all of the plaque that brushing and flossing alone cannot. The procedure limits the risk of tooth decay and gum issues, while also brightening your smile and giving you fresher breath.
DO YOU WANT HELP PREVENTING CAVITIES?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can discuss options for safeguarding your smile against tooth decay. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
