How to Prevent Cavities

Atlantis Dental • December 13, 2021

Keep your teeth healthy and strong by learning how to prevent cavities. The following tips are worth remembering including brushing and flossing your teeth.

Cavities can have a significant negative impact on your life by causing eating, pain, and sleeping problems. Advanced cavities may cause abscesses and lead to chronic infections. 


You can keep your teeth healthy and strong by preventing cavities. First, you need to figure out what causes cavities and how you can avoid them. 



Keep reading for this guide on cavity prevention and how a dentist in Framingham MA can help.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities don’t occur overnight. They begin with the gradual accumulation of plaque that eventually causes tooth decay. Cavities are essentially decayed teeth or tiny openings on your enamel. 


To know what causes cavities, you need to understand what causes plaque. Plaque is a sticky brownish or yellowish deposit around gums and enamel. 


Diet, habits, and tooth care practices are factors behind what causes cavities. Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that arise because of poor dental hygiene.


It’s necessary to brush, floss, or mouthwash twice per day as recommended by a dentist in Framingham MA. This helps remove food particles in your mouth that can attract and nourish bacteria.


Plaque may also build up due to smoking, frequent snacking, or intake of sugary foods. Bacteria flourish and produce acids in your mouth by eating all food particles.


Over time, the acids produced in your mouth can damage your enamel and cause cavities. Plaque can cause severe damage to your gums and jaws. Untreated cavities can lead to painful toothaches, mouth infections, and tooth loss.



Visit your dentist in Framingham MA right away if you have plaque, cavities, or any toothaches. Restorative dentists can help you overcome all sorts of tooth cavities. They'll help you build a robust and healthy set of teeth that will last your lifetime. 

How to Prevent Cavities

As seen, what causes cavities is often poor oral hygiene. This means that tooth cavities are preventable.


Learn how to prevent cavities to avoid the never-ending visits to your dentist. Here are some tips from dental care experts.


Home Dental Care


DIY dental care is an easy and effective way of ensuring optimal dental health. Healthy home dental care habits can ensure you have a strong, healthy, and attractive set of teeth. 


As a rule, you should brush and floss twice a day to prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing help clean and remove all food particles stuck on your teeth. Brushing and flossing as recommended can prevent bacteria and plaque build-up.


Rinse your teeth with a mouthwash twice every day. Dentists recommend an alcohol-free or fluoride mouthwash. This will help sweep away and kill all bacteria that could infect your sockets and gums. 


You should also avoid smoking and sugary foods for a healthy and attractive smile. Smoking promotes cavities by supporting plaque and tartar build-up. Smokers have a 50% higher risk of gum disease than non-smokers. 


Sugar is at the top of what causes cavities. Sugar dissolves in your mouth to create a conducive environment for bacteria. Educate your kids about sugars and how it causes tooth decay and cavities. 


Eat organic foods and avoid acidic beverages such as coffee and tea to prevent cavities. Lessen intake or rinse your mouth after indulging if you can’t do without a few cups every day. 


Search for "dentist Framingham MA" to ask them about custom night guards to relax your jaw when sleeping. This way, you can prevent teeth from grinding and clenching.


Teeth grinding can lead to gum recession causing bacteria pockets where bacteria thrive. It can also lead to tooth fracture or loss. If you have a cracked or missing tooth a cosmetic dentist in Framingham MA can help. 


Professional Tooth Cleaning


Professional dental care can help you prevent a variety of dental issues. It’s an effective strategy to prevent cavities and maintain healthy teeth.


Atlantis Dental dentist in Framingham MA recommends professional dental care every six months. Your dentist can check your teeth and offer tips for maintaining healthy teeth. 


Here’s what will happen when you visit Atlantis Dental for preventive dentistry services:


  • Quality and intensive tooth cleaning service to remove all bacteria, plaque, and bacteria
  • Fluoride treatments and dental sealants protect children’s teeth from childhood cavities
  • Assessments and consultations to help you find safe oral health tools


Ask about preventive dentistry to learn about better techniques for home dental care. Your dentist in Framingham MA will be happy to share dental care tips. Feel free to ask them about the best oral products like toothbrushes for optimal oral health. 


Dental Exams


A dental care visit with a dental exam is the epitome of effective preventive dentistry. Routine dental check ups after tooth cleaning can help you prevent many oral issues.


Dental exams can help you keep your teeth safe and protect your gums. A dental check up helps to ensure the rest of your mouth is safe from bacteria and disease. 


Oral infections can grow into a severe health problem. Some oral diseases can spread and affect other body organs. A routine dental check up helps to spot potential oral risks early on. 


Dental exams at Atlantis Dental in Framingham, MA will involve many beneficial preventive dentistry measures.


When you look for "dentists Framingham MA," you'll find experts to examine you for the potential of cavities. They’ll look for signs of plaque, tartar, or cavities and tackle them to prevent spread. 



They’ll also check for signs of halitosis (bad breath), oral cancer, and gum diseases. Our dentists in Framingham, MA, can even detect health issues like diabetes, yeast infections, lung problems, and oral cancer during oral health checks. 

How to Treat Cavities

There are several ways to lessen tooth decay at home. Home remedies like fluoride only help remineralize your enamel and prevent cavities. 



But treating cavities needs professional dental care. Home remedies won’t reverse or repair an existing cavity. Professionals can use dental fillings, dental crowns, or dental or porcelain veneers to treat cavities. 

Find a Dentist in Framingham MA

Learning how to prevent cavities can save you from financial and severe health issues. Luckily, you have expert tips from professional dentists for better home dental care. 


If you’re looking for a dentist in Framingham MA, check out Atlantis Dental for professional dental care. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

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