Dental Care for All of Us

Most adults today realize how much havoc can be wreaked when you don't take proper care of your teeth. Cavities, broken teeth, missing teeth, and gum diseases are just a few issues that most have been taught to alleviate using these common rules:

1. Brush twice a day.
2. Floss often.
3. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

In spite of following the advice, though, some adults seem to persistently get cavities. To help you figure out what is going on, read on and learn more about cavities and how to keep them from stressing you out.

Why Cavities?

To help you identify what might be happening with your teeth, it might be helpful to review how cavities are formed. Your teeth are made up of a group of minerals and it is when the minerals are compromised that cavities happen. Almost anything you consume has the potential to leach minerals from your teeth but acidic, starchy, and sweet foods are often the worst offenders. As food or drink adheres to the tooth surface, plaque forms. Plaque is a sticky bacterial substance. This then produces the harmful acids that break down the tooth's surface. This acid remains on your teeth doing its dirty work until you remove it by brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

When Brushing Falls Short

Unfortunately, most people are only good at brushing in the morning and then at night before bed. These are very important times to take care of the build-up on the teeth but that may not be enough. After all, most people consume food and drinks several times a day. With everyone staying home more, and, presumably, eating more often (grazing), the potential for problematic pH conditions caused by acids can flourish. For example, sipping on a soft drink or iced tea for a few hours can create a constant barrage of acid attacks on the teeth, resulting in a sudden influx of adult cavities.

How to Take Action and Prevent Adult Cavities

First, brush and floss after each meal, snack, or drink. It's important to go to bed with clean teeth and to wake up with clean teeth so brush before bed and upon awakening. 

Additionally, avoid sugary or starchy foods between meals. Also, if your drinking water doesn't have fluoride (or you don't drink water from the tap), talk to your dentist about adding some with a rinse or regular fluoride treatments. Fluoride keeps the mineral balance in your teeth just right and can also remineralize teeth that have a loss of those important minerals.

Talk to your dentist about your cavity issue and find out some additional tips for preventing cavities. Contact a family dentist for more information.