No Kidding! 5 Ways to Avoid Dental Decay

You take good care of your teeth. So it may seem like a joke – a bad one – if your dentist finds cavities during your exam. Unfortunately, they are a common problem. The good news is, you don’t need a lot of special routines and treatments to avoid dental decay. The basics go a long way toward keeping your smile in great shape.

Call Willes Dental to make an appointment for your next dental exam. Call us at 760-576-2214 for our Encinitas, CA office or 760-477-0338 for our Escondido, CA location. We’ll look for signs of cavities and other problems. When found early, it’s easier and less expensive to treat them. 

In the meantime, check out our suggestions for fighting cavities:

• Brush and Floss Every Day – Daily oral hygiene is essential to keeping teeth cavity free. It gets rid of the plaque and bacteria that cause decay. You should brush at least twice a day. Brush for two full minutes each time. Use a gentle touch. Otherwise you risk weakening tooth enamel, which makes it more susceptible to cavities. It’s a good idea to floss every day too. 
• See Us Regularly for Professional Cleanings – Even with great brushing and flossing habits, bacteria and plaque can collect in out-of-the-way corners of your mouth. Visit us every six months so we can get rid of these harmful substances. When plaque hardens, it turns into something called tartar. Only dental professionals can remove tartar. 
• Drink Lots of Water – Drinking water is a great way to fight cavities. It rinses away bacteria and other damaging substances. Bonus: water is good for the rest of your body too, not just your teeth. It’s an especially good idea to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming sugary or acidic substances. 
• Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods – Your dietary choices affect your dental health. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain fiber and water, both of which can help remove bacteria and plaque from teeth. Dairy products contain casein, which helps strengthen your tooth enamel. 
• Consider Preventive Treatments – If you are cavity prone, ask our team about fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants. Both treatments provide added anti–cavity protection. Your enamel will be more resistant to decay. 

Call Willes Dental today at 760-576-2214 (Encinitas, CA) or 760-477-0338 (Escondido, CA). lLet us help you avoid dental decay!