When dental patients consider what kinds of things can damage their smiles, they often think of dental cavities. Cavities can devastate your oral health. That is why our Glendale dentists are here to provide dental patients with the information and the treatments that they need to discourage cavity development.
How do cavities occur?
Cavities are basically bacterial infections that take root in your teeth. The dental enamel—which is the most outer layer of your teeth—is designed to protect the inner tooth from bacteria. Dental enamel gets worn down, however, by wear and tear as well as bacterial acid. When enamel becomes porous, bacteria take root and multiply within the tooth. Once bacteria make it through the dental enamel, they can quickly move through the dentin to the dental pulp, which is the inner core of the tooth.
What can I do to prevent cavities?
The key to preventing cavities is diligent dental care. When you brush and floss your teeth, you minimize the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. This makes it less likely that oral bacteria will burrow into your teeth and cause cavities.
You should also complete a professional dental cleaning every six months or so. At this cleaning our dentist is able to clear away bacteria that have become entrenched in your smile, and calcified on your teeth.
Another way to discourage cavity formation is to use enamel-fortifying products that include fluoride Fluoride helps your dental enamel to remineralize after bacteria and acid exposure. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride for this very reason. Your dentist can give you a better idea of whether these products are right for your smile.
With a thoughtful oral hygiene routine in place, you can safeguard your smile against cavity development. For customized recommendations and more information, give our Glendale dentists a call or contact us through our website.