Brush Up On Your Cavity Basics

At Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, we see more cavities in our patients than we would like to. Cavities are far too common in the United States, and there is a tendency to consider them inevitable.

Cavities happen when certain types of bacteria produce acids in the mouth. These acids destroy the enamel of a tooth, as well as its underlying dentin. Holes in the enamel are cavities.

If you’ve got a toothache or new sensitivity in your teeth, or if it hurts when you chew, then you may have a cavity. Call our office so we can get it filled.

Prevent Cavities

To keep your teeth from developing new cavities, we recommend the following three things:

• Strengthen your teeth’s defenses with fluoride. Most municipal water supplies contain fluoride. Also, make sure it’s in your toothpaste. Not all toothpastes have it.
• Get dental sealants. We can paint sealants onto your teeth – the back teeth in particular. Sealants act as an added layer of protection for your teeth. You’ll still need to brush!
• Have regular checkups. Seeing us for a cleaning and checkup every six months means we’ll find any new decay early, and treat it.

At Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington we want all our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. Patients from Mansfield and Grand Prairie come to our practice for family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!