The easiest way to treat a cavity is to not have one in the first place! To help ensure a bright and healthy smile, remember these 5 basics:
Eat Balanced Meals: What you eat directly affects your mouth health. Eat a diet full of calcium-rich food, such as cheese, milk, and plain or low-sugar yogurt. Protein-rich foods–for example, meat, poultry, fish, and milk–are excellent sources of phosphorus. Phosphorus, alongside calcium, helps to build tooth enamel. Avoid food products with lots of added sugars.
Drink Water: Water rinses away the food particles, acids, and sugars from your teeth and gums. Additionally, fluoridated water, provided to about 75% of the United States, provides a substance called fluoride. Fluoride helps protect teeth from the acid that causes cavities.
Remember to stay away from water additives such as citrus. Constant exposure to such acids is bad for your teeth. Stick with plain water when you can; your teeth will thank you!
Brush and Floss: Brush your teeth! Two minutes, twice a day, with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use short, back-and forth strokes. Be sure to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Also, floss once a day. Scraping the plaque from between teeth helps reduce risk of cavities by reducing the amount of acid-producing bacteria present in the mouth. You can also use another interdental cleaner specifically designed for this purpose.
Chew Gum: Saliva is your body’s natural defense against cavities, providing fortifying nutrients and disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Chewing ADA-approve sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production. Do not try to substitute gum-chewing for tooth-brushing! Use sugar-free gum in addition to your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
Visit Your Dentist: Of course, seeing your dentist regularly will help! Regular dental visits help catch any problems early, providing you with the best protection against cavities. Call Summit Village Dental at 816-287-5650 today to schedule your appointment!