What is the best way to treat tooth decay (dental caries)? The best way to treat tooth decay is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. It seems that in the case of your dental health, that old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very true.
Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least two times per day and flossing your teeth thoroughly at least one time per day can go a long way in preventing tooth decay. So can regular professional cleanings from your dentist. In addition, preventive measures such as sealants and fluoride treatments can be used to make your teeth less susceptible to decay. What you eat can also play an important role in your dental health. Staying away from sticky, sugary and highly acidic foods and beverages can cut down on your chances of developing tooth decay. If you cannot stay away from these types of foods, brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water after consuming them will help.
However, if you are not able to prevent tooth decay from occurring, then the next best thing is to treat it when it is in its earliest stages. If you want to make sure that tooth decay is detected in its earliest stages, it is vitally important that you visit your dentist at least every six months for a routine dental checkup. This will give your dentist the opportunity to examine your teeth to look for signs of decay. Your dentist can also order dental X-rays, if necessary. Dental X-rays can be used to detect tooth decay that is not able to be detected in a physical examination. In addition, some dentists are now utilizing high powered lasers to detect cavities that cannot even be detected using X-ray technology.
If you have not been to the dentist for a routine dental examination in over six months, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. What you do today can have a large effect on your dental health in the future.
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