How Can I Avoid Fillings?
No one wants to feel that sharp pain tearing through your mouth when you take a swig of ice water, so what can you do to avoid fillings for cavities? According to the CDC, over 91% of adults have cavities, so it’s a problem most of us would do well to prevent—or at least prepare for in the short term. While some people assign the blame to their genetics or our increasingly sugar-filled diets, they can take steps to prevent cavities and avoid painful and expensive fillings.
7 Ways to Avoid Fillings
Through careful planning and awareness, you can improve your dental hygiene and reduce your risk of cavities. Try implementing the following seven techniques for avoiding fillings.
- Assess Your Dental Predisposition.
Unfortunately, your genetics do play a role in your dental health. Some individuals are predisposed to decay because of plaque buildup, soft teeth, and other factors. The best way to determine your predisposition for cavities is to survey family members to get a comprehensive exam from a trusted dentist.
- Brush Right.
Most people brush their teeth regularly, but maybe not as carefully as they should. Meticulous brushing helps to eliminate plaque buildup in hard-to-see and hard-to-reach areas that are at risk for decay. Brushing at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes, reaching every side of each tooth can prevent fillings.
- Drink Better.
Ditch your sugary sodas, coffees, wine, and other beverages that introduce buildup on your teeth. If you can’t quite kick your habit, try switching to a straw, which can help bypass your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking a sugary beverage, and try to increase your intake of fluoride-enriched water.
- Floss Daily.
Flossing is a habit that is easier than you think. It can seem like a time-consuming hassle, but it has enormous benefits for your teeth by decreasing plaque and decay and lowering your risk for bad breath. Try flossing picks or a new kind of dental floss, and build up the habit to prevent cavities.
- Quit Smoking.
You already know that smoking is bad for your lungs and puts you at considerable risk for cancers, but many people overlook the oral risks associated with smoking. Smoking can cause rapid decay, gum disease, deterioration, and tooth loss. Protect your mouth by quitting your nicotine habit right away.
- Add Mouthwash.
A fluoride-enriched mouthwash can not only freshen your breath, but it can also strengthen your teeth against plaque and cavities. A quick swish of mouthwash once a day has been proven to decrease tooth decay and help avoid filings in the future.
- See Your Dentist.
The best way to combat tooth decay and prevent fillings is actually to see your dentist more regularly. Dentists can catch bad brushing habits or genetic predisposition to cavities and help you take action to avoid fillings. Set regular appointments for cleanings and exams, and take your dentist’s advice for your hygiene.
The Perfect Smile
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah, we believe in creating your perfect smile. If you need help with tooth decay, oral surgery, or any other dental or facial issues, we are ready to make you smile.
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