Can brushing teeth get rid of cavities? No, it cannot. It can help prevent future cavities from forming, though.
When you brush your teeth, you remove plaque, bacteria, and particulate that have accumulated since your last brushing. When left in place, these things can quickly cause tooth decay and lead to cavities, making it important that you brush at least twice a day. You are encouraged to brush after every meal and snack for optimal oral health.
Plaque can harden into tartar within just one to two days. Tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove at home, works as a kind of protective barrier for bacteria and acid on the teeth, serving to hold these things in place while preventing their removal. Unfortunately, acid on the teeth, secreted by bacteria, can quickly eat through the enamel, causing infection and decay. Once a tooth has decay, it must be professionally treated to prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss.
At Desert Smiles, we offer tooth-colored fillings for cavities and decay. Made of composite resin, these fillings are non-toxic, durable, and more reliable than metal alternatives.
Unlike metal amalgams, tooth-colored dental fillings are bonded to the surface of the tooth, preventing them from coming loose or falling out. What’s more, tooth-colored fillings do not shrink and expand the way metal fillings do, helping to protect your teeth from chips, cracks, and other types of damage.
Tooth-colored fillings are stronger, more reliable, and arguably safer than metal fillings, but it is best to avoid fillings altogether. Fortunately, this can often be accomplished with just a little extra attention to your daily routine.
Optimizing Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
To help prevent cavities:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride
- Brush after every meal and snack
- Floss before you brush your teeth both morning and night
It is best to wait for 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. Some foods can soften enamel. Brushing too soon might remove it. It is also important that you visit our office every six months for professional cleanings and examinations. Brushing your teeth won’t get rid of cavities, that’s our job.
Please call Desert Smiles at 602-978-1790 to schedule your next visit to our office. Located in Glendale, we welcome patients from Chandler, Scottsdale, and all surrounding areas of Arizona.