Cavities are pesky oral health problems that impact most people at least once in their lifetime. Whether they’re caused by poor dental hygiene or a sugary diet, when left untreated, cavities can advance into more serious issues, including tooth infections. That’s why your dentist in Holbrook recommends routine thorough checkups and cleanings every six months, so if a cavity does arise, they’re able to quickly fill the area and protect your tooth from additional damage. After your filling is placed, you can make it last longer by taking special preventive measures and caring for it. Here are three tips your dentist offers to extend the lifespan of your cavity filling.
Stick to Your Dental Hygiene Routine
If your cavity was caused by poor dental hygiene, it’s vital to keep up with brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth after it has been treated. If you don’t, unfortunately, another tooth will likely suffer the same fate as your treated one, or your filling will fail and cause even more problems down the road. If you’re unsure of what a “good” dental hygiene routine looks like, here are some basic steps to keep your teeth, gums, and filling healthy:
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once every day.
- Rinse your mouth daily with antibacterial mouthwash.
Good at-home oral hygiene will reduce your risk of developing additional cavities as well as keep your current filling healthy and intact.
Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Many people aren’t aware that their food choices can have a sizable impact on the health of their teeth and gums. Even if you have treated a cavity, your other teeth could still be at risk, especially if you eat a diet that’s high in sugars and carbohydrates. These substances help fuel harmful oral bacteria, allowing them to produce was in the form of enamel-eroding acid and toxins that can lead to gum disease. To keep them from overrunning your mouth, be sure to be mindful of what you eat. If you have a sweet tooth, try substituting fresh fruits or vegetables every now and again.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Good at-home dental care paired with professional cleanings and checkups from your dentist in Holbrook is the key to keeping your teeth, gums, and filling in good shape. Your dentist will be able to check on the state of your filling and make sure that it’s not leaking or damaged when they perform your semi-annual examination. If it is, they can easily go in and repair or replace it before the problem has a chance to get any worse.
When you take the preventive steps to make sure your dental filling lasts longer, you’ll be able to avoid uncomfortable side-effects of damaged fillings, like dental sensitivity. You’ll also be able to reduce your risk of developing severe oral health problems down the road, keeping your smile beautiful and healthy for years to come!
About the Practice
At Pearl Dental Associates in Holbrook, we offer the care and expertise of four dentists. Our team takes great pride in providing high-quality and thorough preventive dentistry that helps our patients avoid developing oral health problems. We also offer preventive treatments such as tooth-colored fillings and non-metal crowns that help restore our patients’ smiles without bringing attention to damaged teeth. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 481-767-0979.