How to Prevent Common Dental Problems

Posted on 4/26/2021 by Dr. Jae Seon Kim

Many believe that oral health problems are an inevitable part of life. However, nothing can be further from the truth than that misconception. Yes, cavities and tooth decay are two of the most common dental problems that a significant amount of people face at least once in their lives. But, there are ways you can prevent oral health problems. In fact, prevention is easier and better than cure.

What Causes Dental Problems?

As identified earlier, cavities and tooth decay are the two most common dental problems. To understand how to prevent them, one must understand how they come to be. The number one cause of tooth decay is plaque.

Plaque is a sticky film that forms as residue over our teeth after we eat. If left uncleaned for extended periods, the plaque eats away at tooth enamel. It also starts to collect near the gum line, eventually hardening into tartar, which is harder to clean.

Over time, plaque creates an opening in the tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to seep into the tooth, damage the nerves, and eventually damage the tooth's roots. Plaque and tartar build-up can also lead to gingivitis, gum disease.

Tips for Prevention

The only way to prevent dental problems is by practicing good oral hygiene practices. Here are some tips to avoid dental problems.

•	Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
•	Use a fluoride mouth rinse. If you are at high risk of developing dental cavities because of your lifestyle or the foods you eat, we suggest using a fluoride rinse to prevent the formation of cavities.
•	Do not skip your bi-annual dental check-ups. A regular examination by a dental professional can help identify early signs of tooth decay, allowing us dental professionals to provide our client's optimal dental treatment.
•	Avoid eating and drinking sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Instead, we suggest you eat tooth-healthy foods rich in fluoride and calcium. The former encourages the production of mouth bacteria that destroys the dental enamel.

Put simply, you must follow a proper oral hygiene routine to maintain your oral and dental health. We at Pacific Modern Dentistry can help you devise a customized oral health care routine to cater to your dental needs. Reach out to us for a consultation today.

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