When cavities develop, they eat away at the tissues of your teeth, including the hard protective layer over them called enamel. This results in tooth pain, sensitivity, and diminished aesthetic appearance, plus more dental bills as you work to have the damage repaired. You can avoid this by taking proper care of your teeth and following the three tips below to prevent cavities from forming.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Cavities

1. Take Care of Your Gums

Bleeding gums whenever you brush your teeth is one of the first signs of gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease damages your gums, causing them to recede. When this happens, more of your tooth is exposed, increasing the chances that you’ll develop tooth sensitivity or a cavity. To prevent this, brush your teeth as recommended, and be sure to gently brush your gums whenever you do. You should also floss as needed to get rid of particles stuck in or around your gums. These steps will prevent plaque from building up and causing the irritation that leads to gum diseases.

2. Eat Teeth-Friendly Foods

The food you eat has a direct impact on your dental health, so eat ones that affect it positively. For example, apples, popcorn, and celery naturally clean your teeth. They’re crisp and full of fiber, so chewing them stimulates saliva production and gum health, as well as dislodges food particles that could be stuck in your teeth. You should also be mindful of the vitamins you consume and choose foods that are full of calcium, vitamin C, and zinc. Calcium, found in dairy products and beans, makes your jawbone and teeth strong, while vitamin C, found in sweet potatoes, oranges, and broccoli, fights bleeding gums and gingivitis. Zinc is present in grains, red meat, and cheeses, and it prevents the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth as well.

3. Take Advantage of Dental Services

Your dentist offers a multitude of services that can help prevent and treat a cavity. Regular cleanings and exams will help keep your teeth clean, reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth, and keep tabs on your oral health. These exams also allow for early detection of a forming cavity so the appropriate intervention can be taken. Beyond regular checkups, you can ask your dentist about protective sealants, a clear substance applied to the surface of your teeth to prevent decay and discoloration for years to come. You can also ask for fluoride treatments, as fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens your enamel. It’s a simple, quick process wherein a coating of fluoridated rinse or gel is applied to your teeth and allowed to absorb into them.

If you already have cavities that need to be treated, see the professional dentist at High Point Smile Dentistry in the Piedmont Triad region, NC. For more than 15 years, they’ve provided compassionate and comprehensive dental care to their patients, with a multitude of services available that include both cosmetic and general dental care, such as veneers, whitening, dental implants, exams, crowns, cavity treatments, diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis, and more. Using advanced technology and latest techniques–like the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for treating gum recession–they’ll restore your smile to its naturally radiant beauty. With emergency services available on weekends and an emphasis on patient education, they’ll be your partners in protecting the beauty of your smile for life. Take their smile analysis online, then call (336) 884-4000 to schedule an appointment.