Love Your Smile: World Cavity Free Future Day
Far too many Australians are putting off dental care. In fact, nearly half the Australian population is skipping their regular check-ups with the dentist.
On World Cavity-Free Future Day, the goal is to raise awareness of the dangers of tooth decay and cavities. Recurring visits with your dentist are critical to identifying vulnerabilities before they turn into something more serious. Preventative care is the dentist’s best tool for stopping cavities.
Read on to learn how to stop a cavity from growing. Explore topics such as the importance of good oral hygiene and signs of a cavity.
How Important Is Good Oral Hygiene?
Dental plaque is a significant risk to your overall health. Plaque builds up over time.
It is sticky and colourless but causes major damage when left unchecked. Over time, the plaque eats away at your teeth, causing decay and gum disease.
Brushing and flossing your teeth are the best defence against plaque. It is important that you follow best practices for brushing.
For example, you should use fluoride toothpaste. Also, make sure to angle your toothbrush toward the gumline. This technique gets plaque between the teeth and gums that floss does not reach.
You also should make small, circular patterns with your toothbrush. Lastly, clean your tongue with a tongue scraper/cleaner to remove bacteria that builds up there. It’s much more efficient than a toothbrush for removing plaque on the tongue surface.
Flossing gets plaque in areas that the toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque builds up in between your teeth and flossing is the most practical tool for removing it.
Dentists recommend a check-up twice per year. Brushing and flossing religiously are the best ways to make sure these visits go smoothly.
What Are the Signs of a Cavity?
Dentists are trained professionals who can often spot signs of various habits and conditions by examining your oral health.
When it comes to vaping, there are several indicators that dentists might look for.
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth. In some cases, a cavity is not easily detectable without the trained eye of a dentist. Your dentist may spot a cavity on X-rays taken during a regular check-up.
Some cavities have outward and obvious symptoms. For instance, tooth decay may be significant enough that a tooth chips while eating. Other patients reported significant tooth pain.
Sensitivity is another tell-tale sign. Do your teeth hurt when you eat something that is cold or hot?
There are some visual cues as well. Are the gums swollen and red around a particular tooth? Do you see brown, black, or other coloured stains?
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Cavity?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with the dentist immediately. Cavities are not something that you can put off.
Failure to treat a cavity may result in more serious conditions. You may need a root canal, a crown, or lose the tooth altogether.
How to Stop a Cavity From Growing
You are now ready to focus on oral hygiene and stop cavities from forming. Regular brushing and flossing are key and are within your control. The next step is to schedule a dental check-up to bring in a professional’s touch.
If you want to learn more about how to stop a cavity from growing, contact us at The Bondi Dentists to schedule an appointment.