Oral Care Tips to Avoid Needing a Tooth Filling

When people fail to care for their teeth properly, they can end up with dental cavities that require a tooth filling. When there is a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent further decay and infection. The following article offers oral care tips that can help you prevent cavities and the need for a future filling.

Oral care tips

While it is not always possible to prevent cavities, there are ways to minimize the risk of tooth decay and other damage. Patients can take the following steps to care for their smiles and avoid the need for a tooth filling.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is present in many brands of toothpaste and most local water supplies. It mineralizes the tooth to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay and is an easy way to prevent the need for a tooth filling. It is advisable to brush at least twice a day to prevent the buildup of bacteria or plaque in the mouth.

Flossing should also be an important part of everyone’s oral hygiene routine. A good floss can help clean the areas between the teeth that may be inaccessible to toothbrush bristles. These areas are usually prime spots for tooth decay because food debris gets trapped there easily.

Avoid excessive sugar intake

The food and drinks that we consume have a huge implication on oral health. Excessive sugar contributes to cavities because that is what bacteria thrive on in the mouth. It is better to limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. Snacking on sugary treats at different times of the day can increase the risk of tooth decay because the particles will remain on the teeth.

If possible, rinse the mouth with water after a meal if brushing is not possible. This will clean the mouth of sugar and food particles and avert plaque or bacteria buildup.

Get dental sealants

Sealants are usually recommended for school-age children. However, adults can also benefit from the treatment. Sealants act as a protective plastic coating over the teeth to seal the grooves of the teeth where bacteria and food particles tend to gather. They are usually applied over the back teeth (molars) and can last up to 10 years with the proper care.

Visit the dentist regularly

Dental professionals recommend that patients visit the dental office regularly for dental cleanings and checkups. It allows the dentist to detect tooth cavities early and recommend preventive care. The dentist will also recommend proper ways to care for the teeth and prevent the need for a tooth filling.

What to do if there is a cavity

Sometimes, despite reasonable effort, the patient can develop cavities. Signs of a cavity may include:

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
• Sudden toothache
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Brown, black, or yellow stains
• Visible holes or pits
• Rough area on the tooth
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)

If the pain begins and does not disappear after a few days, there is a good chance that a cavity is forming. The dentist will perform a simple treatment to get rid of decay on the tooth, clean the mouth, and fill the cavity. They will often fill it using tooth-colored composite material to match the color of the patient's tooth.

Schedule your next dental visit

While there is no perfect way to prevent the need for a tooth filling, there are a few steps you can take to protect your oral health. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure. Call our office to learn more or to schedule your next dental checkup.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ddslansing.com or call Downtown Dental Studio at (517) 481-2569 for an appointment in our Lansing office.

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