Of all the conditions that can affect your oral health, cavities are the most common. In fact, over 90% of adults will experience a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Though there are several options for treating and restoring a cavity-stricken tooth, the best way to protect your smile is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Along with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing at home, there are also several preventive dental treatments that help you prevent cavities by boosting the strength of your teeth’s protective layers.
Oral bacteria are the main cause of cavities, and they’re found abundantly in the plaque that forms and sticks to your teeth. Before long, plaque calcifies into tartar, which cannot be removed at home, and the oral bacteria have a better chance at attacking your teeth and causing cavities. Dental cleanings are the only way to remove tartar from your teeth, and attending one at least once every six months is vital to preventing tooth decay and cavities.
Cavities can affect nearly everybody, but some people are more prone to others and may need more than good hygiene and routine dental cleanings to protect their smiles. For patients at high risk of cavity development, dental sealants are often a necessary measure. Sealants are thin layers of biocompatible plastic that are spread over the chewing surfaces of molars. The layers prevent oral bacteria, food particles, and plaque from gathering in the hard-to-reach crevices, significantly reducing your risks of developing tooth decay.
To boost your teeth’s protection, your dentist might also recommend fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps fortify the highly mineralized tooth enamel that surrounds and protects your teeth. When this layer is attacked by oral bacteria, it grows increasingly weaker, eventually giving way and allowing bacteria to infect your tooth structure. By bonding to the minerals in enamel, fluoride can strengthen the layer to reduce your risks of enamel erosion and resulting tooth decay.
Combined with a steady routine of excellent hygiene at home, your dentist plays a big role in helping you prevent cavities! To learn more, call our dental office in Sunnyvale, CA today at (408) 720-0900, or toll free at (877) 9-DENTAL.