Fight Cavities the Right Way

Cavities form on the surfaces of the tooth after bacteria produce acids which dissolve the tooth material. The acids are produced after the bacteria ferment the food. The bacteria and the food to be fermented must be in the mouth for a given time before the acids are produced to cause cavities. It is therefore advocated that the right way to fight cavities is to remove either of the factors which cause them.

Fighting bacteria to fight cavities: As early stated, elimination of bacteria leads to fighting cavities. The bacteria can be fought by:

1. Using an anti-bacterial mouthwash regularly. The anti-bacterial effects of the mouthwash result in a reduction in the number of bacterial colonies. However, continuous use of mouthwash is not recommended, since it could result in reduction of the normal colonies which are beneficial.

2. Removal of plaque. Plaque is known to contain up to four hundred different species of bacteria in less than one millimeter thickness. The removal of plaque therefore reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

3. Visit the dentist to remove tartar which sticks to the teeth and can hold a high concentration of bacteria against them.

4. Use fluoride toothpaste, which has an effect , among others, of killing bacteria.

Strengthening the surface of teeth against cavities: This works by a) reducing the factors which dissolve the enamel, causing cavities, and b) improving the surfaces of teeth to reduce the chances of bacteria and plaque accumulating on the surface. Various ways to achieve this include:

1. Using fluoride, which strengthens the surface tooth structure against acid attack.

2. Doing preventive “fillings” (fissure sealants) on surfaces which are prone to cavities, like the grooves on the biting surfaces of the back teeth.

3. Regular dental visits to curb any new cavities which may be developing, before they become larger.

Reducing the amount of food material that is available to the bacteria to ferment and produce acid: This can be achieved by:

1. Cutting down on the amount of sugar in the diet.

2. Reducing the number of snacks you take between meals

3. Brushing your teeth immediately after every meal to remove any food from the teeth.

4. Using dental floss to remove food in between teeth, in areas that a toothbrush can’t access.

5. Changing your toothbrush regularly to maintain the efficiency of the tooth-brushing effort.

6. The use of sugar-free chewing gums, which increase saliva flow and aid in the cleansing of  teeth

Finally, remember that the longer the food stays in contact with the tooth surface in the presence of bacteria, the greater the chances of developing cavities.
Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.