Dentist appointments can be stress-inducing events. No one wants to hear they have a cavity — again. It's embarrassing, but it may not be entirely your fault. Your genes play a big factor in how likely you are to get a cavity. Your saliva, your mouth bacteria, and even your natural desire for sweets all have an effect on whether or not you are more prone to cavities.
Your family dentist is aware of the elements at play and can offer a few extra tips on how you can combat cavities.
Brush more
Yes, this is an obvious solution. No one is suggesting that you do not brush often enough, but brushing more often, like after snacks as well as meals, may help. Likewise, switching from a manual toothbrush to a water-fed one may also remove more bacteria and food particles and help prevent tartar build-up.
Floss
While flossing is another obvious tip, it helps prevent both tooth decay and gum disease. If you do not like traditional floss, the American Dental Academy equally recommends the newer, interdental cleaning options.
Use mouthwash
No one is claiming that you have halitosis. Mouthwash, however, can get into all those hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and kill bacteria. For people with a sensitive palate or a strong gag reflex, mouthwash can be overpowering. Try different brands and flavors until you find one that you can tolerate. Using a brand made exclusively for children is acceptable as well.
Request fluoride treatments
Fluoride treatments are commonly used on pediatric dental patients to coat teeth and protect them between cleanings. While not typical, you can request fluoride treatments as an adult as well. In fact, one study showed that adolescents that received fluoride treatments "were 43 percent less likely to have tooth decay and cavities" over the course of a year. Talk to your family dentist to see if this is an option for you.
Schedule more cleanings
While it is standard to have your teeth cleaned at your dentist's office twice a year, it is not the only option. Schedule four cleanings a year instead of just two to stay on top of tartar build-up and to help fight cavities. While your insurance may only pay for two, you can talk to your family dentist about paying out of pocket for extra cleanings.
While you may not be able to control some of the factors working against you in terms of your oral health, there are still some extra steps you can take to fight back.
Share6 January 2022
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