A beautiful smile begins with clean, healthy teeth, which is why our Spring Branch dentist stresses the importance of good dental hygiene. How we care for our teeth affects many aspects of our overall health, and poor dental hygiene can cause bad breath, cavities, and is even linked to heart disease. Here, our Spring Branch family dentist explains the importance of dental hygiene and how you can be sure your routine is effectively keeping your teeth clean and free from cavities.

Our Spring Branch Family Dentist Explains how Cavities are Formed

Cavities form when bacteria eat away at the tooth and create holes on its surface. We all have bacteria in our mouths, both good and bad. The good bacteria help to keep our teeth healthy while the bad bacteria causes damage and decay. Cavities become more prevalent when the bad bacteria is given a chance to thrive thanks to choices like poor diet—think sugary sodas and processed foods—and inadequate oral hygiene. Once a cavity forms, our Spring Branch dentist must remove it and fill it or it will get larger, possibly requiring more invasive treatment like a root canal or even extraction.

How to Prevent Cavities, According to Our Spring Branch Dentist

The best defense against cavities is proper oral hygiene, which can be achieved by following these steps:

Brush and Floss Teeth Regularly

Our Spring Branch dentist recommends brushing your teeth in the morning, before bedtime, and after each meal. This removes food particles and bacteria, as well as prevents plaque and tartar from building up on the surface of your teeth. Brush in circular motions for 2 minutes before flossing to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, as well. Children need attentive supervision and guidance in this process to ensure it’s being done properly. Our Spring Branch pediatric dentist would be happy to help teach your child how to brush and floss effectively.

Avoid Unhealthy Food Choices

What we eat has a significant effect on our oral health. Foods containing excess and refined sugar, like sodas and candy, can cause decay and cavities by eating away at the tooth’s surface. Our Houston pediatric dentist encourages parents to closely monitor their child’s intake of junk food and make sure they brush their teeth as soon as they are finished with any sugary treats. 

Visit Our Houston Family Dentist Every Six Months

When it comes to proper dental hygiene to prevent cavities, maintaining regular checkups with our Spring Branch dentist should be a priority. These checkups give our Houston dentist an opportunity to check the health of your teeth and gums and identify any potential problems, like cavities, early. 

Our Spring Branch Dentist Can Help to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

At Smiles 4 Texas, we believe quality dental care should be accessible for every family. We offer numerous dental services in order to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. If you believe it’s time for your next dental cleaning, call us to book an appointment with our Spring Branch family dentist as soon as possible!