Tips on How to Avoid Requiring Dental Fillings

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Maintaining proper oral health will prevent costly and painful dental procedures, such as dental fillings. Preventing cavities and other dental problems will save money while keeping a healthy smile for many years. Here are some simple yet effective tips that will help you avoid dental filling Redwood City and keep your teeth in their best condition.

Maintain good oral hygiene

The foundation of dental health begins with good oral hygiene. If you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, you will be able to remove plaque buildup and food particles from contributing to cavities. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and unless removed, can lead to tooth decay. Through consistent brushing and flossing, you can minimize your chance of cavities and tooth decay; therefore, reducing the need for fillings.

Brushing should be done with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Fluoride makes the enamel of the teeth stronger, thus more resistant to decay. Also, do not forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn out.

Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet

What you eat directly impacts your oral health. A diet rich in sugary foods and drinks accelerates the development of cavities, as sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth that produce acid. This acid erodes your tooth enamel, leading to decay. Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks, such as candy, soda, and sweetened fruit juices, to reduce your risk of cavities.

Concentrate on a tooth-friendly diet rich with sufficient calcium foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds. These foods make your teeth strong, thereby holding your mouth firmly in shape. Foods high in fibre, such as fruits and vegetables, also stimulate saliva production that aids in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.

Remain Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. In addition to staying hydrated, drinking water helps dislodge and flush out the food particles and bacteria from your mouth, preventing the formation of plaque and causing acids that eat away at the enamel. When you are living in Redwood City or any nearby area, always drink fluoridated tap water because fluoride also strengthens your teeth and prevents tooth decay.

Go to Your Dentist Regularly

Prevention of the need for fillings is very much dependent on regular dental check-ups. Your dentist would advise you to visit at least twice a year for a routine exam and cleaning. In these visits, your dentist will check for early signs of cavities and other dental issues. Problems are caught early and can be addressed before they require fillings or more extensive treatments.

Your dentist may also provide professional cleanings that remove tartar buildup, which can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Regular visits allow your dentist to spot potential problems and intervene early, ensuring your teeth stay healthy.

Use Dental Sealants

Sealants can protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth from getting cavities, as these surfaces are more susceptible to it. Sealants are a thin protective layer put on your teeth by your dentist to act as a shield for the bacteria and plaque. It is an easy procedure recommended to be done in the mouth of children and adults with higher susceptibility towards cavities, especially on the back molars.

Do Not Neglect Tooth Sensitivity

If you feel pain in your teeth when biting or eating hot, cold, or sweet food, do not ignore it. Sensitivity may be an early indicator of tooth decay or enamel erosion. You should visit your dentist immediately if you observe such a symptom so that it does not advance into cavity formation and filling.

Practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, visiting your dentist regularly, using sealants, and addressing sensitivity can all reduce the need for dental fillings. Prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment.