Are you staying proactive about your dental health? Preventing tooth decay is one of the best ways to protect your smile. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, visiting your dentist regularly ensures that no cavity-causing buildup is left behind. At our Riverside Cosmetic Dentist- Dr. Ali Shmara, we’re here to help you prevent, detect, and treat tooth decay to keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come.
Why Regular Dental Visits in Riverside, California Matter
Regular checkups are your first line of defense against tooth decay. Even the most diligent brushing and flossing routine can leave behind plaque that hardens into tartar that can only be removed by a Riverside dentist. When you visit us at least twice a year, we thoroughly clean your teeth, remove harmful buildup, and monitor your oral health for early signs of decay.
Delaying dental visits can allow tooth decay to progress unnoticed. If a cavity grows too large, it may require more extensive treatments, such as a root canal or crown. But with preventive care and early detection, you can avoid these complications and maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.
Daily Habits to Prevent Tooth Decay in Riverside
Your at-home oral hygiene routine in Riverside plays a critical role in preventing tooth decay. Here’s how you can protect your teeth between visits:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use toothpaste and brush for two minutes, ensuring you clean all tooth surfaces.
- Floss Regularly: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinse with Mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce harmful oral bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar feeds bacteria that produce acids, leading to enamel erosion. Choose water, fresh fruits, and vegetables instead.
Proactive Protection for Healthy Teeth
Preventing tooth decay will cost you less than treating it. Viewing your dentist as your partner in oral health allows you to stay ahead of decay and other dental issues. At our Riverside Cosmetic Dentist- Dr. Ali Shmara, we offer services like professional deep cleanings and dental sealants to strengthen and protect your enamel.
When you visit us for routine care, we help you avoid painful toothaches and more invasive treatments. Preventive care also saves you money by reducing the likelihood of needing extensive restorations in the future.
What Happens If You Have Tooth Decay?
If we detect a cavity during your visit, we’ll take immediate steps to treat it and restore your tooth’s strength.
- Dental Fillings: For smaller cavities, we’ll remove the decayed tissue and fill the area with a durable material to prevent further damage.
- Crowns: If the decay is extensive, we may place a crown to restore the entire tooth structure above the gumline.
- Root Canals: For severe cases where decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, we’ll perform a root canal to remove the infection and save the tooth.
No matter the treatment, our goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible and prevent decay from spreading.
