How to Lower Your Risk of Cavities

Your oral health has the power to increase your overall sense of well-being. Conversely, however, unhealthy teeth and gums increase the risk of serious problems like stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and joint problems. The first step in maximizing your oral health is understanding how to lower your risk of cavities. This basic knowledge can save you money, time, and future health issues.

At Soothing Dental Care in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Juan M. Carrillo is a highly skilled oral health expert. With premium dental services and care, Dr. Carrillo practices dentistry with integrity and genuine care, ensuring long-term oral health for everyone. 

Creating happy smiles and healthy lives, our focus on individualized, one-on-one comprehensive care creates the perfect atmosphere for an exceptional doctor-patient relationship. From dental exams to cleanings and fillings, we’re here for you, and we want you to know how to take care of your oral health the best way you can.

Lowering your risk of cavities

Cavities are places on the hard surface of your teeth that have been permanently damaged. They create small holes in your tooth, which lead to pain and many other complex issues. 

The second best way to deal with cavities is to schedule a time to visit Dr. Carrillo and get a dental filling. The best way, though, is to prevent cavities altogether. Regular dental cleanings are the foundation of modern dentistry and the best way to lower your risk of cavities. Fortunately, you can do many other things as well.

Dental-healthy diet

A tooth-healthy diet is a balanced, mixed diet that contains little sugar or other easily digestible carbohydrates and acids and provides your teeth with the minerals they need. Occasionally a piece of chocolate or a glass of lemonade is fine and doesn't do any harm. However, lasting damage may begin to occur by regularly eating or drinking sugary and acidic foods.

Eat enough dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. These provide your tooth enamel with the minerals calcium and phosphate. Foods that contain fluoride and those that stimulate saliva production also contribute to the health of your teeth.

Brush your teeth like a pro

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and make sure you’re doing it the way dentists recommend. You may think that brushing harder and longer is good for your teeth, but the opposite is true. Brushing your teeth for longer than two minutes can leave you with sensitive teeth and receding gums. Brushing too hard will erode your teeth’s protective enamel barrier. Some electric toothbrushes will give you an alarm signal when you press the brush too hard.  

The plaque that accumulates on your teeth is actually quite soft and easy to remove with gentle brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and massage your gums gently but thoroughly. Finally, make sure you get the backs of your teeth, slowly and steadily brushing your whole mouth. 

Use the right toothpaste and mouthwash

The toothpaste and mouthwash you’re using should contain fluoride. This is especially true if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acids and, therefore, cavities.

Avoid whitening toothpastes, as these usually contain ingredients that can damage or roughen your tooth enamel, leaving you with sensitive teeth. Plus, damaged enamel leads to cavities, so be savvy when choosing a toothpaste.

Schedule regular dental cleanings

Professional dental exams and teeth cleanings are one of the most important ways to lower your risk of cavities. They also Dr. Carrillo and his team to spot problems early on.

Preventive dentistry, which begins by establishing good habits, is the No. 1 way to avoid cavities and other oral health problems. Call Soothing Dental Care at 804-201-9459 to make an appointment with Dr. Carrillo for a comprehensive dental exam to get started. You can also reach out by sending us a secure message online.