Food and drinks leave behind tiny particles that bacteria in your mouth love to feast on, which begins a process that threatens to break down your tooth enamel.

When bacteria feeds on those particles, plaque acids are generated that stick to your teeth and eat away at your enamel. That’s how tooth decay begins, and if given enough time, it creates a hole in your tooth called a cavity.

Avoid Tooth Decay & Cavities This Summer!

So what can be done to help you avoid tooth decay, or at least stop it in its tracks if it’s already begun?

Here are a couple of tips from your Plainfield dentist!

*Make Sure They Get Enough Fiber*

During the summer, kids are out of school and probably consuming a lot more sugar than they do during the school year. That’s not necessarily because of what they’re eating, but what they’re drinking.

It’s hot outside, so they might be consuming more sports drinks, fruit juice, or soft drinks. The added sugar in these beverages can greatly increase the risk for cavities.

Make sure water is the primary drink in your household! It will promote saliva production, which will help wash away food particles and debris, as well as coat your teeth and gums with natural bacteria-fighting agents.

Another way to encourage saliva is to eat more fiber!

Snacking on carrots, broccoli, celery, apples, pears, and whole grains will fuel your body with fiber, which stimulates saliva and help rebuild tooth enamel.

*Encourage Proper Brushing & Flossing*

Kids, especially those who are still getting the hang of brushing and flossing their own teeth, might need a little help from mom and dad in making sure they’re doing it correctly.

First, you should be brushing twice a day in an up-and-down circular motion for two minutes each time. You can use apps or music to make the oral hygiene routine more fun for kids and to ensure they’re brushing long enough.

It’s also best to use a fluoridated toothpaste to give your teeth an added layer of protection and strength against bacteria.

Second, make sure everyone is flossing once a day. If you have young children who aren’t quite coordinated enough to use a string of floss, they can learn using a small plastic flosser or a water pick for better grip and control.

Take Advantage Of Tooth-Colored Fillings!

Sometimes, the damage has already been done. You, or one of the kids, may already have tooth decay eating a hole through your enamel. If a cavity has formed, we’ll catch it during a routine dental exam!

The solution is simple, and it won’t disrupt your smile in the least!

Dr. Eccles can determine if a tooth-colored filling is the best option for you. We still use metal fillings when appropriate, but with a composite filling, we can color match the material so that your dental filling blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.

No one will be able to tell that you had a cavity at all because there won’t be a noticeable dark spot covering the treated tooth!

Make An Appointment

Don’t let tooth decay take over your family’s smiles this summer!

Keep up with your routine dental cleanings and exams, practice good oral hygiene, and make sure everyone is eating a healthy, balanced diet!

If you or someone in your family ends up with a cavity despite your efforts, you can take advantage of our tooth-colored fillings as a durable, seamless smile solution!

Call Rod Eccles, DDS in Plainfield, IN today at 317-682-0884 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.