Does Tooth Decay Happen No Matter What?


Does Tooth Decay Happen No Matter What?

By Wright Smiles

You may wonder if you can really do anything about tooth decay. Perhaps it seems like something that randomly happens to you but that you have no control over because, even when you brush twice a day and floss, you still end up with problems. The good news that you need to run through your mind when you’re having doubts follows: You can absolutely keep cavities at bay! Unfortunately, you may be overlooking some details associated with optimal dental hygiene or there may be some other factors at play. Let our Southlake, TX team walk you through them, so you can feel much more empowered in regard to keeping your smile healthy!

Not If You Brush Long Enough (And Thoroughly)

Ask us how to brush correctly during your next dental visit if you are having a problem with it or if you’re just not sure that you’re doing your best (particularly if you are ending up with tooth decay). We want you to remember that even if you’re “brushing twice a day,” if you aren’t doing it just right, then you’re not going to be able to avoid tooth decay. Fortunately, brushing correctly is easy! You need to brush for two minutes. You need to do this twice a day (so that’s a total of four minutes). You need to thoroughly brush your whole entire smile. See? Simple.

Not If You’re Flossing The Right Way (And Every Single Day)

Our team reminds you that you also need to floss correctly. The details are just as simple as they are for brushing, so you avoid tooth decay:

  • You floss thoroughly!
  • You start with the floss just beneath your gumline, then you move the dental floss upwards along your tooth (repeat this throughout your smile)

Not If You Remember Acids, Sugars, And More Cause Decay

Remember that tooth decay and a need for restorative care can happen even if you’re brushing and flossing. Don’t forget that during the hours between your dental hygiene routines, you’re eating and drinking. If your smile remains saturated in decay- or damage-causing things like acids (think coffee, soda, or fruit juice) or sugars (think candy, sweet drinks, or pastries), then you’re feeding the bacteria in plaque that coat your smile. To help prevent tooth decay as a result of this concern, try to limit your snacking to specified times, rinse with water, reduce acids and sugars, and consider chewing sugarless gum after snacks or drinks for about 20 minutes.

Keep Your Smile Decay Free With Our Preventive Care

Come in for the cleanings you require in order to keep your smile free of plaque and tartar and, as a result, free of cavities, too! Schedule care with your Southlake, TX dentist today by calling Gregory Wright, DDS at (817) 481-7999. We gladly serve patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and surrounding areas.