Can You Reduce Your Risk of Cavities? 

Believe it or not, it is easy to reduce your risk of getting cavities despite what you may have heard. While some patients may be more prone to tooth decay, overall dental health contributes to reduction in cavities. It's easier than you think. Here's the Top 5 ways to reduce your risk of cavities.

1. Knowing Your Dental Risk

With regular examinations and discussion with Dr. Esfandiari you will know where you stand, which treatments you need and any changes you may need to make to improve your oral hygiene or diet. Knowing your risk level allows you to take a more proactive approach to improving your oral health.

2. Regular Brushing

Regular brushing is imperative to maintaining your overall dental health. With bacteria and plaque brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to cavity prevention. Be sure to brush after meals and more importantly, brush before bed. Brushing before bed is particularly important because bacteria linger on your teeth overnight and can allow enamel-damaging acid to form.

Using a soft brush is also important for your overall gum health. Additionally, Dr. Frank recommends a microbial mouthwash to clean away the bacteria after brushing.

3. No Sugary Drinks

Drinks like soda, juice and even some coffee drinks are high in sugar and directly linked to an increase in cavities.  Prolonged exposure to acidic coffee or tea - which often also contain sugar and milk - increase your risk for new cavities. If you do drink coffee or tea, try to limit yourself to 20 minutes or less. Using a straw also helps reduce exposure to the acidity of coffee or tea.  Drinking more water is also another easy thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing cavities.

4. Regular Brushing

Regular brushing is imperative to maintaining your overall dental health. With bacteria and plaque brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to cavity prevention. Be sure to brush after meals and more importantly, brush before bed. Brushing before bed is particularly important because bacteria linger on your teeth overnight and can allow enamel-damaging acid to form.

Using a soft brush is also important for your overall gum health. Additionally, Dr. Frank recommends a microbial mouthwash to clean away the bacteria after brushing.

5. Regular Flossing

Our teeth have five sides and all of them need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Even when we brush every day, we’re only cleaning 3 of those sides. Regular flossing ensures you’re cleaning all sides of your teeth.

Flossing before bed and after meals is ideal for maintaining your overall dental health.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Esfandiari 

If you haven't seen a Dentist in a while, don't worry. You can make an appointment to see Dr. Esfandiari and get back on track with your preventative dental health care. Call the Ventura office to make an appointment 805-647-6100 or click here to make an appointment online.

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