According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 92 percent all adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had cavities in their permanent teeth and 26 percent have untreated decay. While these statistics are alarming, there are several proactive steps a person can take to avoid dental cavities.
Brush Teeth Regularly
The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day. Those who snack often or follow a diabetic diet of several small meals will need to brush more often as part of their dental care routine. It should take at least two minutes to brush completely and it is also recommended to brush the tongue to remove bacteria and food particles.
Floss Every Day
Flossing helps remove food and bacteria that become lodged between the teeth. As cavities between teeth can be hard to see and complicated to correct, flossing is absolutely essential but is often overlooked or skipped. For those who find it difficult to floss, disposable flossing picks are available at most drug stores.
Protect Teeth Against Trauma
Tooth decay isn’t always caused by poor hygiene. Grinding teeth while sleeping, also called bruxism, can lead to damage and decay. Chips caused by sports injuries can also leave teeth vulnerable to cavities. Any damage done in automobile accidents should be handled immediately to avoid decay, too. Protecting teeth against all forms of trauma will help keep them free of cavities and decay and is essential to proper dental care.
See A Dentist Regularly
It’s important to see a dentist on a set schedule, ideally twice a year. During exams, a dentist can locate and treat tiny area of decay before they can bloom into big problems. Proper dental care by a trained professional is part of a healthy routine, so make an appointment and stick to it.
Good dental care is important to preventing cavities. If it’s been awhile since a person has been to the dentist, making an appointment with Eagle Rock Dental Care can get them back on track to a mouth full of health and attractive teeth.
Sources:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalCaries/DentalCariesAdults20to64.htm
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/basics/treatment/con-20029395
