A Guide to Cavity Prevention

Imagine this- you have come to see Dr. Cox for a cleaning and routine check-up. The cleaning goes well, but then Dr. Cox tells you that you have a cavity. You’ve been dreading the possibility of this news and now you fear that something must be wrong, since you have been brushing and flossing regularly.

We at Advanced Dental see this happen every day and we want to put your mind at ease. Cavities are very common and usually a simple fix for Dr. Cox. Use this guide to learn about what cavities are and how you can prevent them.

Cavities: The Basics

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is a byproduct of too much plaque.

Here’s how it works. Every day, our saliva breaks down the food we eat into bacteria and then into acid, which mixes with the saliva and forms the nuisance commonly referred to as plaque. Remarkably, it only takes 20 minutes for plaque to form on your teeth after eating. Plaque is corrosive to the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). If plaque is left to its own devices, it will likely result in tooth decay, which literally causes decay in the structure of your teeth. Both enamel and dentin (the layer beneath enamel) may be damaged during this process, and a cavity can often form as a result.

How to Prevent Cavities

Now that you know the cavity’s life story, it’s time to find out how to keep your teeth protected! First of all, it’s important to understand that the majority of people will get at least one cavity in their lifetime, and although cavities most often affect children, it is possible for people of all ages to get them at any time. How do you stay safe? Dr. Cox recommends these tips:

  • Brush and floss at least twice a day, every day, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods! These foods transform into cavity-forming acid with ease.
  • Mouthwash/rinses and pastes (such as Carifree and Fluorides) help your teeth stay protected.
  • Watch for common warning signs- tooth pains or aches, particularly when caused by foods/beverages that are cold, hot, and/or sweet.
  • Come see us at Advanced Dental for your cleanings and check-ups. We are experts at stopping cavities in their tracks and we love to see confident Dr. Cox smiles.

If you still fear cavities, that’s OK. We just want you to know that they are quite common and you should never be embarrassed or ashamed about having one. That being said, it is not a good idea to ignore them. Eventually, cavities can cause tooth discoloration and even lead to actual holes in your teeth.

Don’t fret! Dr. Cox is Lebanon’s leading expert on cavities and our office is equipped with modern X-ray and laser technology capable of detecting cavities before even they know what they are.

Please feel free to call us at Advanced Dental with questions any time, make sure to come in regularly for your check-ups, or just schedule an appointment now!

Dr. Jerry Cox graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in Kansas City. Dr. Jerry Cox continued his education with hundreds of hours of advanced courses. He believes that for his patients, education must continue as procedures and technologies constantly evolve. He practiced pediatric dentistry for the Missouri Public Health Department for three years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and Springfield Dental Society. Dr. Jerry Cox has continued his education with training in the latest technology. Advanced Digital and 3D technology allow for one day crowns and bridges and guided implant surgeries. These high tech services allow cosmetic makeovers in just one day. CEREC digital technology creates the most accurately fitting crowns with life-like ceramics. Additional training in orthodontics allow him to provide orthodontic treatment, including functional appliances, Invisalign, and conventional braces for adults and children in his general practice. He is trained to provide Minimal Oral Sedation.

Posted in Dental Health, Dental News, Dental Services, Patient Care

Call Us Today!!

(417) 588-2555
Need Directions? Click Here

    Schedule An Appointment

    Advanced Dental is conveniently located on Highway 32 in Lebanon, and has a convenient appointment time waiting for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

    Do not include sensitive personal, financial, or other confidential information (social security, account number, login, passwords, etc.).

    Associations