Here’s a simple truth that you can apply to your health – including your oral health. DNA and diet play a huge role. Some people are more prone to cavities because of their sugar consumption, which makes brushing with good fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily particularly important.
But Women’s Health Magazine suggests that the shape of your teeth and the amount of saliva in your mouth also affects how quickly your teeth will decay. This article looks at how these factors affect decay and what toothpastes can help offset cavity formation.
Why, Cavities, Why?
Cavities are tiny holes of decay in the teeth that, if left untreated, will get bigger and threaten the life of the tooth.
The problem to address is sugar. Sugar ferments between the crevices in your teeth, attracting bacteria that break down the enamel, creating decay. Our DNA plays a role in this; some of us have deeper tooth fissures or more crowded teeth that allow the bacteria to hide away from the toothbrush.
If you have deep grooves in your teeth, talk to Dr. Hadley about sealants, which will close those deep crevices, making it easier to keep teeth clean.
Regular dental visits will help identify weak points in the teeth that are at risk for turning into cavities. Prevention is key in the battle against cavities, especially if you consume a lot of sugary treats or have a family history of gum disease, cavities, or tooth loss. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and seeing your dentist for check-ups, are just as important as cutting back on sugar.
So, which toothpastes are best for helping stop tooth decay?
Top Toothpaste to Consider
Prevention Magazine points out that, “If you’re lazy about brushing and flossing, no toothpaste will save your smile.” Well said! But there are a ton of toothpaste brands on the market; how will you know which one is best suited for your particular needs?
The first step is always to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA reviews fluoride-infused toothpaste brands to ensure they’re doing what they claim in their advertising, namely, protect and polish the enamel of your teeth. Here are some toothpaste suggestions that meet ADA standards, while also targeting specific issues that you may be having:
- If you have yellow teeth look for whitening toothpaste with mild abrasives that polish stains away. Note these are mainly for new staining; old stains require dental cleaning or tooth whitening. Rembrandt’s Deeply White is one brand geared toward removing stains.
- If you’re struggling with cavities, look for good fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that coats the teeth to protect it from decay. Look for the ADA-label and an “anti-cavity” claim on the advertising; these usually have fluoride. If this isn’t working, talk to Dr. Hadley about a prescription for Colgate PreviDent to increase the amount of fluoride in your toothpaste.
- If hot and cold foods make your teeth hurt, consider ADA-approved Sensodyne to help lessen the sensitivity while still bathing your teeth in twice-daily fluoride applications.
For more advice on the best ways to prevent cavities, call our office to set an appointment with your Las Vegas dentist, Dr. Hadley.