blogs

The tooth is made up of four tissues: enamel, dentin, cementum and the pulp (or the nerve). The enamel is the protector. Unremoved bacteria, from the food we eat or from not brushing and flossing properly, causes plaque that attack the tooth’s enamel. If this plaque is not removed daily, it causes destruction of the enamel or cavities.  If cavities go uncared for, they go through the enamel and can get into the nerves causing the death of the tooth.  

To prevent cavities, it is important to eat a nutritious diet avoiding sugary snack foods like, candy, soda pop, chips, crackers and cookies.  These sugary foods stick to the teeth and create bacteria.  It is also important to brush and floss your teeth twice daily.

One way to strengthen the enamel is with fluoride.  Make sure that you (and your children once they are old enough and can spit it out after brushing) have fluoride in your toothpaste.  Talk to your children’s doctor and get a prescription for fluoride tables or fluoride drops as well.  Fluoride rinses are sold at the pharmacy that you and your family can use daily.

The best way to prevent cavities is to care for your teeth properly and to teach your family to do so too:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste

• Clean between your teeth daily by flossing.

• Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks.

• Have regular dental check ups.

• Ask your dentist about sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the surfaces of your molars to prevent cavities.