When it comes to oral health, the most common oral disease is tooth decay. As per a national oral health study conducted by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), one-third of the Australian adult population (aged 15 and above) suffer from tooth decay that goes untreated. This decay essentially a process of harmful bacteria, breaking down the protective enamel around your teeth, in turn leading to cavities.
What are cavities?
Tooth cavities, also known as dental caries, are small holes or openings that form in the teeth owing to decay. Such holes can expose nerve endings in your teeth, increasing the dangers of deep-rooted infections, tooth loss and more.
Moreover, it is important to note that these cavities are contagious. They can spread from sharing food, utensils, sneezing and mouth to mouth contact. It is therefore necessary to prevent such spread, especially if you have children who are more prone to contracting caries.
Prevention Measures
Given below is a list of measures that can help arrest the incidence and spread of tooth cavities.
- Follow a Healthy Dental Routine
As per Australia’s Oral Health Tracker, only 51% of Australian adults follow the dental routine of brushing twice a day. Such carelessness can put you at a greater risk of contracting cavities. Hence, it is always wise to set a healthy dental routine and follow it sincerely. This will include:
- Brushing as recommended by your dentist or , generically, twice a day in the morning and in the night.
- Flossing thoroughly after brushing and after meals.
- Using a potent mouthwash to clean your mouth of any harmful remnants.
It is also usually suggested that you use a fluoride-rich toothpaste that will help strengthen resistance to tooth decay by forming more enamel, thereby preventing cavities. Other than this, it is also recommended that you opt for a chlorhexidine mouthwash that helps fight off bacteria and decreases the chances of cavities.
- Chew on Sugar-free Gums
Sugar-free gums with a xylitol content can help in spreading cavities to a huge extent. Xylitol is naturally present alcohol in plant material that improves the production of saliva which in return helps in combating harmful bacteria that may lead to tooth decay and cavities. It is more advisable to chew on these in between meals to fully cleanse your mouth.
- Keep Sugar and Carbs at Bay
Sugary foods are not just detrimental to your physical health but also to your oral health. Foods such as sodas, chocolates and more act as fodder for bacteria which may lead to cavities. Apart from this, foods that are rich in carbs such as chips, bread, pasta and more stick to your teeth and remain in your mouth for a longer time. These might also help bacteria thrive and give rise to cavities. Avoiding such diets will help maintain healthy pearly whites.
- Sip More Water
Between brushing and flossing, the meals that you eat can get jammed between your teeth, building up more plaque in your mouth. Drinking water during these periods can help remineralise by forming more saliva which breaks plaque formation and keeps bacteria away and rinsing your mouth free of any food particles left behind. Additionally, drinking fluoridated water is even more beneficial.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Being disciplined with your dentist appointments and following up on time can also deter cavities. Regular check-ups will lead to thorough cleaning and will motivate you to follow a professionally devised dental routine, lowering the possibility of most oral diseases. Along with this, if you face acute pain and the cavity has already spread, your dentist can employ trusted treatments such as fillings, fluoride cleaning, crown caps and, in some worse cases, root canals and teeth extraction.
All the above solutions comprise of some of the most constructive ways to stay away from cavities.
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Call on (03) 9670 9020 to book an appointment today!
