U Penn Dental Practice Gives You 5 Ways You Can Prevent Cavities

You will be thankful that you will have a new awareness of the dangers of cavities.

Are you aware that you may be increasing your risk of cavities without even knowing it? Perhaps you think it’s too late and your mouth is so decayed, you may as well just give up. Let our U Penn Dental Practice give you 5 practical ways you can prevent cavities from forming or worsening.

What are cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are damaged areas in the hard surface of the tooth which develop tiny openings or holes. This is commonly caused by a combination of bacteria, sugars, frequent snacking and not thoroughly brushing your teeth.

How do I know I have a cavity?

There are several distinct signs that help you recognize that you may have a cavity. More commonly, people tend to “feel” a cavity before they “see” a cavity. Some symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Toothache
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Pain when you bite down
• Black or brown stains on your teeth
• Sensitivity
• Pain that only occurs when you eat something or drink something sweet, hot or cold.

The bacteria that forms in your mouth from sugars and foods is appears as plaque. Plaque, when not cleaned by brushing your teeth, begins to attack the surfaces of your teeth causing the acids to penetrate through that surface which is also known as enamel.

Once the bacteria/plaque reaches beyond your enamel it reaches it’s way into what is called the dentin, and eventually the pulp where the nerve of your tooth resides. The dentists at our U Penn Dental Practice will help you recognize these signs as well, so you’re not alone in this.

The U Penn Dental Practice Ways Of Preventing Cavities

1. Visit your dentist regularly – Getting your teeth cleaned at your dental office and attending regular check-ups and x-rays can help catch problems before they start.
2. Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking – Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and in-between meals is ideal to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth.
3. Rinse our your mouth – Using a mouth rinse may help reduce your plaque build-up as well.
4. Eat healthy foods – It is better to avoid foods that get stuck in between your teeth or in the grooves and pits of your teeth. Instead, choose non-sugary foods such as fruit and vegetables. These increase the amount of saliva in your mouth – giving your teeth a more plaque resistant environment.
5. Consider dental sealants – Your molars and bicuspids can sometimes develop deep grooves that will naturally harbor bacteria. By asking your dentist for dental sealants, this will greatly help reduce your chance of cavities.

For more information on how our U Penn Dental Practice can help prevent and treat cavities, make an appointment at one of our 2 convenient locations.