Although it's impossible to predict the location and severity of any cavities that might develop in your mouth, it's possible to predict that you might be affected. After all, close to 100% of all adults across the world have some form of tooth decay. There are a very small number of people who will never have to deal with a cavity in their lifetime, but, statistically speaking, you're probably not one of them. And yet, your dentist can come up with a cavity prevention strategy tailored just for you. But what would this type of personalised strategy involve?
How Cavities Develop
Treating cavities is about one of the most common general dentistry treatments there is, but prevention is obviously going to be a better course of action. When your teeth are affected by demineralisation, your protective enamel can be breached. This deterioration can lead to the formation of holes (cavities) in your teeth. If untreated, the deterioration can spread to the entire tooth, leading to its eventual loss, often with a serious infection of the surrounding tissue. A cavity prevention strategy is about identifying these cavities in their infancy, even before they have technically become cavities.
Keep Your Appointments
Do you see your dentist twice a year? This is the generally accepted schedule for the majority of the population, but some people might not be quite so diligent. Preventing cavities before they can form requires you to see your dentist as recommended. Prompt action is necessary to prevent any deterioration from becoming an actual cavity, and if you skip an appointment, more drastic action will be required during your next visit.
At the Dentist
Cavities often develop beneath dental plaque, which can be most effectively removed by dental scaling. Topical remineralisation (using a fluoride varnish) can encourage your enamel to remineralise itself, preventing the need for synthetic restoration (a filling). This remineralisation is typically only effective in the early stages, which is why it's crucial to keep those appointments.
Personalised Recommendations
Additional personalisation that your dentist might add to your cavity prevention strategy can include diet and general lifestyle recommendations, along with an assessment of your dental history (such as the timeframe and circumstances of any previous cavities). Your dentist can make these recommendations as part of your personalised prevention strategy, but the onus is on you to follow these instructions in your daily life to prevent the formation of cavities.
Avoiding cavities before they form is obviously going to be anyone's preference, but it's important to see your dentist regularly and formulate an effective prevention strategy.
To learn more about cavities, reach out to local general dentistry services.
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