Keep the Entire Mouth Healthy

There is nothing quite as painful as having a cavity. Cavities, also known as dental caries, can bring sharp, stabbing, shooting pain to announce their presence. However, you do not have to suffer needlessly from tooth decay.

There are many things you can do on your own (and with our assistance!) to help prevent it. We here at David Crumpton, DDS are quite passionate about not only educating our patients on how to prevent tooth decay but also working alongside them to help them maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for their entire life. Keep reading to learn more about preventing tooth decay with healthy gums from our Trophy Club, TX dentist.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Several different things can lead to tooth decay. The main cause of tooth decay is failing to practice good oral hygiene. There are several things that you should be doing to take proper care of your teeth and avoid poor oral habits. Brushing twice every day is the foremost step, as healthy teeth get their start – and their finish – by your bathroom sink. You can brush your teeth either immediately after waking up and before going to bed, or you can brush them right after your first and last meals for the day.

Make sure to use the proper toothbrush for your sensitivity, and a paste that comes recommended by us! You will want to reach for a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, as that can help facilitate remineralization of your teeth and lower your risk of cavities.

Rinsing your mouth with water after each meal will go a long way towards avoiding tooth decay as well. Tooth decay can occur as the ingredients in your favorite food and drinks break down and form acid. This acid then splashes over your teeth if it remains in your mouth, gradually wearing down the enamel and eventually harming the dentin and even the root underneath.

Lastly, not remembering to floss daily can contribute to tooth decay for the same reason – allowing food to fester and decay inside of your mouth not only tastes terrible and gives you horrid breath, but leaves mini-meals for oral bacteria to chow down on in-between other meals, continuing the process of dental breakdown.

Preventing Tooth Decay

As mentioned above, practicing good oral hygiene is the foremost step to avoiding tooth decay. Other steps you can take include having a healthy diet, preferably rich in tooth-friendly superfoods like cheese, apples, and even dark chocolate. You will want to abstain from harmful treats and drinks laden with sugars and acids, such as candy, sodas, and coffee.

Furthermore, avoid foods that are hard, tacky, or excessively sour. Quitting smoking and usage of other tobacco products will have an impact on your oral health. It’s also important to keep regular appointments at our dental office that will not only help prevent tooth decay before it happens, but also manage, mitigate, and control any existing problems before they have a chance to worsen.

Tooth decay is almost always entirely preventable. By maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen, and making sure you visit us here at David Crumpton, DDS every three-six months for a checkup and cleaning, you can help ward off any complications from tooth decay. If you would like to learn more about tooth decay, or you are ready to set up an appointment with us, please give us a call at 817-678-7395 today!

Keep the Entire Mouth Healthy

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Preventing Tooth Decay

Start your journey to a perfect smile.