General Dentistry Advice: What Causes Cavities?

Cavities start to form when simple sugars remain on the teeth over time.  These sugars promote the growth of the destructive bacteria that erodes tooth enamel. However, you can’t prevent cavities by only avoiding sweets and sugary drinks. The truth is that any simple sugar can promote the growth of cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. Carbohydrates, which make up the majority of our diets, are equally as harmful to our teeth. How can we avoid cavities if so much of the food we eat everyday causes tooth decay? Well, you can start by incorporating the advice below. Then, make an appointment for a dental check-up with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental. Dr. Lopez has the tools your family needs to fight cavities and gum disease. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

6 Ways to Fight Cavities

·         Oral Hygiene- Brush, floss, and use mouth wash twice a day. You can help prevent cavity causing bacteria and plaque build-up by reducing the amount of food particles in your mouth.

·         Dairy- Incorporate more dairy products into your diet. Low fat milk and cheese provide the calcium and Vitamin D that strengthen your teeth and bones.

·         Black Tea- The antioxidant epigallocatechin, found in black tea, has been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.

·         Sugar Free Gum- Xylitol, a key ingredient in sugar free gum, has been shown to dramatically reduce tooth decay.

·         Crunchy Foods- Chewing crunchy foods, like nuts and crunchy veggies, can help to decrease plaque buildup.

·         Dental Check-Ups- It’s essential to see your dentist for a professional dental exam and cleaning twice a year to prevent cavities and other damage to your teeth.

Prevent and Treat Cavities in Fort Smith, AR

Unfortunately, cavities can form even if you follow a stringent oral hygiene regimen and eat a healthy diet. The key ingredient to a healthy smile is visiting Dr. Lopez for a regular dental check-up. Dental exams and cleanings can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing cavities. If you already have cavities, Dr. Lopez can offer treatment to make sure that your teeth are not damaged any further. Don’t take a chance with your dental health. Make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get the professional dental care you need. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and nearby communities.

Schedule Holiday Dental Care Appointments for the Whole Family

With all of the festivities, preparations, and things to do during the holiday season, you can easily forget about taking care of your teeth. That’s why your dental health is so vulnerable this time of year. We may skimp on our oral care routines just as we start to consume more sugary treats and desserts than normal. This is a very bad combination for your teeth. But you can be proactive and protect your dental health and the dental health of your family this holiday season. Take note of the important healthy holiday habits below. Then make sure everyone in your family is caught up with their regular dental check-ups. A regular dental check-up can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If it’s been over six months, make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get your family the dental care they need for the holidays. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

Holiday Dental Care Tips

·         Focus on a Few Big Meals- While it’s never healthy to over eat, it is healthier for your teeth if you forgo snacking in between meals and focus on just a few hearty meals during the day. Snacking throughout the day can prolong the time your teeth are exposed to harmful sugary residue. You also produce more saliva during big meals. This helps to wash away cavity causing bacteria and the excess sugars they feed upon.

·         Grab a Straw- While it may be hard to avoid any sugary beverages during holiday gatherings, you can help avoid the residual damage to your teeth by always using a straw. This redirects the harmful sugars away from your teeth and gums.

·         Milk a Cow- Well, not literally. But you should try drinking glass of low fat milk or eating a piece of cheese after consuming sugary treats. Milk will help wash away the sugars and the calcium and vitamin D in dairy products will help to strengthen your teeth and fight cavities.

·          Grab a Stick-A stick of sugar free gum that is. Sugar free gum contains an ingredient known as Xylitol, which actually helps to fortify your teeth against decay and gum disease.

Holiday Dental Care in Fort Smith, AR

What better gift to give your family this holiday than a bright, healthy smile? You can make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today for a pre or post- holiday dental check-up. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.