It’s a well-known secret that the best treatment for any dental health issues is prevention. Even widely common conditions like cavities (the most frequently occurring issue) can be successfully prevented with the right hygiene and preventive care measures. Nevertheless, the fact that cavities affect a large majority of people (over 90%) at least once in their lives shows that prevention requires consistency to be effective. Today, we take a look at what that means, both for your hygiene routine at home and your scheduled visits to your dentist’s office.

All the Things You Do At Home

Brushing and flossing your teeth is considered preventive, but when you do it, you’re actively removing harmful oral bacteria from your teeth and gums. These microbes are the building blocks of plaque – the biofilm that calcifies into tartar – and as they accumulate, they pose an increasing threat to your teeth and gums. Harmful oral bacteria release acids that erode your tooth enamel and structure, and preventing them from causing damage requires removing them multiple times every day. Therefore, cavity prevention depends on brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, without fail.

Your Dentist’s Role

When plaque calcifies into tartar, the bacteria it protects become invulnerable to toothpaste and water. This is one of the reasons why cavities form so easily. Fortunately, you can remove this film before a cavity forms, as well as treat a cavity in its earliest stages, by sticking to a regular schedule of preventive dental checkups and cleanings. After your hygienist expertly removes all traces of plaque and tartar, your dentist can thoroughly inspect your teeth to see if oral bacteria have already lead to a cavity, or weakened your enamel enough to make cavity development imminent.

Save Your Self Trouble by Preventing Cavities

Cavities are common because they form easily, but for most patients, they can be successfully prevented with just as much ease. To learn more about how to prevent things like cavities from affecting your smile, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353.