If you have a cavity already, then you should not try to avoid treatment. Otherwise, the cavity will only grow worse and make more extensive treatment necessary. However, if your tooth has yet to develop a cavity, then you have a good chance of avoiding it, and therefore avoiding the need for treatment to restore your tooth. The most important tip to avoid cavity treatment is to be consistent with good hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, which is easier than many people realize.
Brush and floss every day, without fail.
You probably already know that you should brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss at least once, but not everyone sticks to that rule all of the time. The plaque that constantly forms on your teeth is the greatest driver behind cavity development. The harmful bacteria attacks your tooth enamel, making it weaker until the bacteria can slip past it and reach your tooth’s main structure. By brushing and flossing every day, you can prevent plaque from building up enough to threaten your teeth.
Make checkups and cleanings a priority.
When you miss a spot of plaque, it can quickly calcify into tartar—an insoluble substance that cannot be removed with toothpaste and water. From within tartar, oral bacteria have a greater chance of compromising your teeth, and dental checkups and cleanings are the only way to protect your smile from them. A cleaning involves thoroughly but carefully removing all traces of plaque and tartar from your teeth’s surfaces. During your checkup, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and oral cavity to check for signs of cavities or other concerns that may have already developed.
If you’ve had a cavity before, then be extra vigilant.
Once your dentist treats your cavity, it won’t progress any further, but the tooth structure you’ve lost will not grow back. A filling can treat most mild to moderate cavities by replacing lost tooth structure to reinforce the tooth. To ensure that the tooth remains strong and healthy, be vigilant about keeping the tooth clean and free of plaque, as well as attending a checkup and cleaning as often as your dentist recommends.
Despite your options for restoring your tooth, the better option is always to avoid cavity treatment altogether by caring for your smile! Call the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today!