Cavity or tooth decay occurs as single or multiple damaged areas on your teeth that can ultimately lead to holes or tiny openings. These cavities or caries are a result of a combination of many factors. It is one of the most common health problems across the world.
Tooth decay is most common among older people and children. If not treated in time, cavities can affect the deeper layers of the teeth. Finally, they will lead to a severe infection, toothache and tooth loss.
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
The symptoms of tooth decay may vary depending on age, extent, and location. Sometimes the signs can be seen only when the decay gets more prominent. Some of the common symptoms of tooth cavity are –
- Sensitivity in tooth
- Visible pits and holes in teeth
- Mild or severe pain when you bite down food
- Sudden toothache occurring without any particular reason
- Black or brown stains on the enamel of the tooth
How You Can Prevent Tooth Decay
Remember that dentists can only arrest tooth decay so as to prevent it from causing deeper damage as it is irreversible. Therefore , it is necessary to provide good care to your teeth and prevent teeth from getting cavities. Thankfully, you can prevent your teeth from getting caries by following some easy and simple steps.
- Step 1# Regular Brushing Using Right Technique
Make it a habit to brush your teeth twice daily for at least a few minutes. It would be best to hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees. Moreover, it should come in contact with both your gums and teeth. This way, you can remove particles, plaque, and debris from teeth and soft tissues.
The toothbrush selection is also significant in order to fetch the best results. Nowadays, electronic toothbrushes are becoming popular due to their utility. These brushes have a rotating head, which is more effective in brushing away bacteria. Some e-brushes use sonic vibration technology to do the same. But do make sure to stay away from brushes with stiff bristles, which are known to cause gum recession
- Step 2# Daily Floss Helps in Better Care of Your Teeth
According to dentists, flossing remains the most underutilised dental habit. Flossing is the only available oral hygiene technique that keeps the areas between teeth free of debris. Dental flosses include water flossing, flossing brush, and string flosses. You can select the one which is recommended by your Dental specialist.
It may feel like a chore during the initial days of flossing. But after a few months of usage, you will become a pro at it. You may seek the help of your dentist to know the proper flossing technique.
- Step 3# Mouthwashes Give You Better Protection Against Bacteria
Liquid mouthwashes come with medications that fight against bacteria. So, a mouthwash kills almost all the harmful bacteria inside your mouth. Moreover, rinsing with liquid mouthwash can help blast away leftover plaques and foods. You need to swish a cap full of mouthwash for around 30 seconds.
Please go for your dentist’s prescribed mouthwash brand. Some mouthwash brands may have alcohol in them, which may not be recommended for extended use. In such a case, you may shift to an alcohol-free formula based on your dentist’s recommendation. Apart from being an antiseptic, mouthwash also fights against bad breath.
- Step 4# Look After Your Diet
Excessive or prolonged contact of teeth with sweet or acidic foods and drinks is the primary reason for tooth decay. These foods act as catalysts for the bacteria’s activity and propagate the tooth cavity. As you can’t limit the number of bacteria in your mouth to zero, avoiding sweet and acidic food would be the best alternative. The same is true for carbohydrate-rich foods.
Late-night snacking also leads to tooth cavities. The carbohydrate particles that stay on your teeth due to late-night snacking are the favourite food of the bacteria inside your mouth. But, if you can’t give in to the sugar rush, ensure brushing your teeth at the earliest convenience. Also, make it a habit not to eat anything after brushing at night.
- Step 5# Consider Undergoing Fluoride Treatment
Fluorides are the best in tooth enamel strengthening and preventing tooth decay. Nowadays, there are so many natural fluoride options available to you. The easiest way to get fluoride treatment done to your teeth is the water from your faucet. Drinking water fortified with fluoride can help in preventing tooth decay.
If your drinking water supply doesn’t contain enough fluoride, you can use fluoride toothpaste. Apart from these standard measures, you can visit your dentist to undergo in-office fluoride treatment measures.
- Step 6# Consider Getting Sealants
Nowadays, transparent and tooth-coloured sealants are available to prevent cavities. These sealants are applied to your teeth’s biting surface. By using a specialised curing light, dentists harden the sealant and seal the vulnerable areas on your teeth without any impact on your biting.
Once done, sealants can stay on your teeth for two to three years. They are a natural barrier between the tooth surface and the bacteria inside your mouth. You can prevent the tooth cavity and enhance the longevity of your teeth through the subsequent filling of sealants.
- Step 7# An Annual Trip to Dentist Can Increase Longevity
The teeth can often be one of our most neglected body parts. We visit dentists only when we are in severe trouble, and the tooth and its appendages are almost dying their death. Visit your dentist at least once a year for regular dental tests and cleaning. That way, you can arrest even the minor cavities at the initial stage. As a result, it will help your teeth stay healthy for a long time.
- Step 8# Follow the Recommendations
Last but not the least, you have to follow the above recommendations and improve your lifestyle. If you don’t follow the recommendations mentioned above, it will just be another article you read and pass by. If you have developed even a little bit of any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical help from your dentist as soon as possible.
Bottomline
If you are planning to visit a dentist, don’t make any delay and book your appointment with Top Notch Dental Clinic, Delhi. You can avail yourself of the best dental care in all aspects from experienced dentists. They use all kinds of state-of-the-art instruments to determine dental problems and resolve them efficiently.