Why Cavities Are Not Just A Problem For Children

Cavities are often viewed as a dental problem that only children and teenagers really get, due to their poor dental hygiene routines and more sensitive teeth. However, the truth is that cavities affect virtually every adult, with some reports estimating over 90% of adults have a cavity. That is an extraordinarily high number and really highlights the fact that the idea of cavities being over as a problem when you grow up is simply false. Here are a few ways you can stop this problem in its tracks and make sure your teeth stay healthier for longer. 

Why Do Cavities Remain Such A Problem?

Cavities never stop being a problem; many people just stop thinking about them being a problem because their parents no longer force them to brush regularly. It is also quite common for adults to avoid going to the dentist, which means you could have a whole host of cavities without knowing about it. They can be very hard to detect on your own, and you may have grown so used to the feeling of a cavity that it no longer feels that it is anything out of the ordinary. Luckily, there are things you can do to fight back against cavities, and it involves going back to the basics.

Regular Brushing, Flossing And Mouthwash

Cavities form because of an increased amount of corrosive elements in your mouth that break through the top layers of your teeth. These aggressive intruders can be something like sugary soft drinks, or it could be completely natural like bacteria. Whatever it is, you can stop it in its tracks with an upgraded regimen of brushing, flossing and mouthwatering. Brushing is obviously important to get the surface layer of build-up off of your teeth, but flossing and using mouthwash are also important to remove more insidious bacteria that can hang around after you have brushed your teeth. Only with a combined approach can you be really sure that you keep your pearly whites free of cavities.

Visit Your Dentist

It cannot be stressed enough that the only way to know for sure whether you have cavities or not (and how to treat them) is to visit a dentist. You should be visiting the dentist at least twice every year to ensure that you have not had significant decay in the six months between appointments, as that is right on the threshold for common tooth problems to begin to show themselves. If you do have cavities, your dentist will be able to seal them up if possible or replace them with dental implants if necessary. The longer you wait, the more chance you have of needing serious dental surgery to correct your cavities, so always make sure to make your scheduled dentist appointment.

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