It’s no secret that preventing tooth decay requires twice-a-day brushing, daily flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. So you know that’s what you should do to keep a healthy mouth, but are you really flossing each and every day? And getting in those two minutes, every single time? If not — or if you eat lots of sugar or are highly prone to cavities anyway — you may suffer from tooth decay. Learn how to spot the early warning signs and have your smile restored to its best health as soon as possible.

Tooth Decay Needs Early Detection

If you’re visiting your Mt Holly dentist as recommended every six months, we’ll be able to spot tooth decay early to prevent the need for major reconstructive work later on. But if it’s been awhile since you last had your smile checked out, educate yourself on whether or not you’re experiencing tooth decay — and then call your dental team to schedule an appointment today!

Risk Factors for Tooth Decay

Do you have any of these risk factors for tooth decay? If so, be aware of your elevated risk of cavities and infection.

• Poor oral hygiene
• Imbalanced diet or high consumption of sugar
• Frequent snacking throughout the day. Because the mouth produces less saliva during a snack, cavities are more likely to form from snacks than full meals.
• Younger or older age (children and seniors are more likely to experience cavities)
• Certain medications that cause dry mouth prevent saliva from washing away decay-causing bacteria
• Inadequate fluoride exposure. If you and your family prefer to drink bottled water, your teeth may not be getting enough fluoride exposure. Make sure you choose a toothpaste that’s ADA-approved for adequate smile protection.

Warning Signs of Cavities

Cavities are holes in the tooth enamel that form when plaque and bacteria aren’t properly removed from the tooth enamel with good brushing and flossing. Below are some of the most common warning signs of cavities — are you experiencing any?

• Toothache
• Increased tooth sensitivity, especially a sharp pain in response to hot, cold or sweet foods
• Pain biting down
• Black, brown or white spots on the surface of a tooth

Keep in mind that tooth decay in its earliest stages often doesn’t exhibit any symptoms. That’s why preventive checkups and cleanings every six months are vital for excellent oral health.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Remember that cavity prevention requires frequent visits to your dentist in addition to excellent brushing and flossing. If it’s been awhile since your last visit to Mt Holly Dentistry, don’t wait to schedule your appointment with your dentist in Mt Holly for a checkup and cleaning.