More Ways To Fight Decay

We tend to associate cavities with children, but the truth is that you can get a cavity in one of your teeth at any age. You can minimize the risk, and even prevent cavities, with daily brushing and regular checkups at Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington TX.

Most people have at least one cavity by the time they reach adulthood. Cavities means the plaque on your teeth has converted to acid from food debris. These acids eat through the tooth enamel and create a hole, or cavity. We treat cavities by cleaning out the surrounding tooth area and filling it.

Proper Brushing

Most of us have been brushing our teeth since we were kids, and know what we’re doing. But there is always room to improve, so here are a few basics about the right way to clean your teeth.

• Floss: Begin by flossing. String floss is preferred over one of those little floss picks. Work a strand between each tooth and its neighbor to remove any food debris.
• Brush: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and plenty of toothpaste. Get all of it nice and wet. Then brush your teeth in a slow circular motion. Be sure you get along the gum-line and all surfaces of the tooth: inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Brush for at least two minutes!
• Swish and Spit: Rinse out any remaining toothpaste.

Some people prefer to floss after brushing. It’s one of those six of one, half a dozen of the other situations. Just be sure to floss!

Daily brushing and regular checkups at Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington TX are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. People from Mansfield and Grand Prairie come to our practice for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!