Preventing Cavities
We all know that regular brushing and flossing is crucial in maintaining optimal oral health. Despite being aware of this, cavities are still one of the most prevalent issues we address at our office. To help patients understand how to avoid cavities, we decided to provide tips on preventing cavities that are easy to adapt in your daily routine. If you or someone you love thinks you may have a cavity, contact our office to arrange a free consultation with our dedicated Amherst dentist.
Preventing Cavities 101
Preventing cavities is actually quite easy, but it requires a lot of commitment. Cavities can be halted through basic home care: brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and reducing your intake of sugar. Regular visits to your dentist, including teeth cleanings every three to six months, are also beneficial. If you follow all these instructions, you should get fewer cavities.
Foods with high sugar content are the most damaging to your dental health. In order for plaque to build up or a cavity to develop, sugar must be present in the mouth. You should not only brush and floss after you have sugar but also limit your consumption of sugar in the first place.
We always recommend patient schedule regular dental appointments, at least every 6 months for a comprehensive oral exam. This will help your dentist identify any potential issues before they are irreversible.
Another recommendation we give to patients is to use a soft toothbrush. Harder bristles can actually wear away the enamel in your teeth and damage the gum tissue. Patients should also use mouthwash after every brushing, preferably using an antiseptic that is alcohol-free.
Why Is Flossing Important?
Flossing is critical in preventing cavities from occurring between your teeth. When you brush your teeth, all you clean are the surfaces that you can see. You cannot really clean in between the teeth with a toothbrush, and this is where dental floss can make up the difference. Floss removes plaque which helps prevent plaque buildup which can lead to tartar if left untreated.
Regular flossing helps prevent decay of your teeth which can also reduce your risk of gum disease.
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What To Do If You Have A Cavity
Having trouble preventing cavities? In the event that you have a cavity, you can have it filled at our dental office. Fillings vary according to the size of the cavity. If you have a large cavity, we will administer local anesthesia, drill out the cavity, place a dentine bonding agent in the space, insert the white filling, and harden the filling with light. This procedure is typically smooth and simple. The cost of a filling depends on how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. Generally, the cost ranges from $100 to $200 and is often covered by dental insurance.
Most fillings are made now from composite, synthetic resin. There are many companies that manufacture this material, and due to its popularity, cost efficiency, and versatility, we use composite resin as a filling material in all our dental procedures. There has been much debate about the safety and usefulness of mercury amalgam fillings, another trendy option. There is no scientific consensus on the matter, but nevertheless, our office has not used amalgam mercury filling in over 10 years.
Preventing Cavities Has Never Been Easier!
If you would like to know more about preventing cavities, please call our Amherst dentist to arrange a free consultation. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Douglas Hamill has helped patients throughout Buffalo and Western New York achieve the smiles they deserve. Let his experience work for you!
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