How to prevent tooth decay?
Fortunately, it is possible to prevent tooth decay with simple actions and habits that you should apply rigorously daily:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal.
- Use dental floss in addition to brushing to avoid cavities between teeth.
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Maintain a balanced diet, consuming less sugary foods.
- Visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year.
It is important to schedule a cleaning appointment and exam once every 6 months for an optimal oral health.
A professional dental cleaning done by a hygienist eliminates plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and prevents cavities from forming.
Then the dentist does a thorough examination of your mouth and can detect cavities on the teeth and also in between the teeth thanks to the x-rays taken.
Feel free to contact your dental clinic whether it is to schedule a consultation if you think you have cavities or a cleaning and exam to maintain good dental habits. We will be happy to help you!
What is a cavity?
It is the structure of the tooth that is deteriorating. A cavity is created, and it can gradually destroy the tooth. Every day, a thin film is formed on the teeth and gums called dental plaque. The bacteria present in the plaque reacts with the sugars ingested. These sugars are found mainly in food and beverages. If the dental plaque is not removed properly, it can cause a cavity that gradually leads to decay. If left untreated, it eventually attacks the tissues close to the tooth, such as the gums, bones and ligaments, and forms a tooth abscess that can cause the tooth to fall.
What are the main causes of tooth decay?
- Poor oral hygiene
- Food rich in sugar
- The tobacco
- Dietary disorders such as: gastric reflux, bulimia, anorexia
- The natural acidity of saliva
- The structure and position of the teeth
What are the main symptoms of tooth decay?
The symptoms are very variable and depend on the evolution and severity of the infection. In the initial stage, caries will go unnoticed, but progressing may cause some of the following symptoms:
- Dental pain that intensifies with time.
- Sensitivity to cold, hot or when eating sugary foods.
- Pain when biting into a hard food.
- Black or brown spots on the tooth.
- The presence of pus around the tooth or the gum.
Why and how to treat cavities?
Cavities diagnosed early enough require a simple restauration or commonly called a filling. The dentist then removes the infected part and fills the hole with an amalgam (metal filling) or a composite (natural color resin).
However, major cases can be painful. When decay has reached the nerve, a root canal treatment must be done. This process involves removing the nerve from the tooth, then filling the hole, to finally seal the tooth with a cap called "crown". In summary, the structure is still in place, but the tooth has become "artificial".
And if, unfortunately, the infection has had time to destroy a significant part of the root, the dentist will have to extract the tooth. The hole left can then be filled by a dental bridge or an implant.
How to prevent tooth decay?
Fortunately, it is possible to prevent tooth decay with simple actions and habits that you should apply rigorously daily:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal.
- Use dental floss in addition to brushing to avoid cavities between teeth.
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Maintain a balanced diet, consuming less sugary foods.
- Visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year.
It is important to schedule a cleaning appointment and exam once every 6 months for an optimal oral health.
A professional dental cleaning done by a hygienist eliminates plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and prevents cavities from forming.
Then the dentist does a thorough examination of your mouth and can detect cavities on the teeth and also in between the teeth thanks to the x-rays taken.
Feel free to contact your dental clinic whether it is to schedule a consultation if you think you have cavities or a cleaning and exam to maintain good dental habits. We will be happy to help you!
514 504 - 3368
(DENT)
Walking Distance From Concordia and McGill Universities, as well as many other colleges
Walking Distance From Concordia and McGill Universities, as well as many other colleges
