Cavities are painful, they pose a danger to dental and overall health, and, most importantly, they are preventable. A cavity is a spot where a tooth has been broken down by acids which are found in certain foods that we eat and in the plaque which is produced by bacteria that live in the mouth. The bacteria feed on sugars and starches in order to produce this acidic plaque, which sticks stubbornly to the surface of the teeth.
Preventing cavities in yourself and in your children can be done by following a few simple tips. You can keep your while family cavity free by:
1. Encouraging brushing and flossing
Set a good example for your children by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and encouraging them to do so as well. You’ll be keeping your own teeth healthy and instilling a lifetime of good oral health habits in your kids.
2. Thinking about what’s on the plate Stay away from feeding your family too many acidic foods such as citrus fruit, and from too many sugars and starches that can provide fuel for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acidic plaque.
3. Asking about dental sealants Asking an Edmonton family dentist at the Westmount Dental Centre about dental sealants for your children is one of the best ways to help them prevent cavities from a young age. Dental sealants are used to fill in the ridges on the biting surface of a tooth, where food particles and plaque can collect and cause tooth decay. Sealants act as a barrier against cavities.
4. Regularly visiting your Edmonton family dentist Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is the most important component of maintaining good oral health and of catching minor oral health issues before they turn into much bigger ones. A professional dentist will not only clean your teeth, but will also give you tips on how to clean them better at home.
The family dentists at the Westmount Dental Centre can help look after the dental needs of your entire family. Set up an appointment today for yourself and for your children, so that you only have to make one trip to get everyone looked at. The convenience and dental health benefits of having a family dentist can’t be beat.