How Can I Protect My Smile from Cavities? Here’s What You Need to Know

Cavities! No one likes dealing with them, yet they seem hard to keep at bay. These pesky holes in your teeth develop when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up and produces acids that erode tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene, sugary snacks, and skipping regular dental visits can contribute to this process. Left untreated, cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and loss. The good news? With proper care—brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups—you can keep cavities in check and maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

Ready to learn more about cavity prevention in Glendale, California? You are in the right place. Glendale Dental Wellness offers routine cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Ivan Chan to discover how to maintain a decay-free smile.

How do cavities develop?

The primary cause of dental cavities is dental plaque. This colorless, sticky film develops when harmful bacteria mix with food debris and saliva. The bacteria in dental plaque secrete acidic substances that leech essential minerals from your enamel. When these minerals aren’t replenished quickly—and the harmful bacteria continue secreting corrosive acids—tiny holes form on the enamel. These holes advance and become cavities; the only way to repair them is by filling them with tooth fillings.

Untreated tooth cavities become sensitive and even painful when they progress beyond the surface level. Over time, it grows deeper and may cause unwanted bacteria to infect the pulp chamber. An infected tooth can only be saved with a root canal. Otherwise, the infection grows, leaving dental extraction the only viable option.

How can I prevent tooth decay?

Children and adults alike can avoid dental cavities with optimal preventive care. Here’s how you can keep your smile decay-free.

  • At-home oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth are the first defense against cavities. These simple oral hygiene practices actively remove plaque to keep decay-causing bacteria in check. 
  • Dental cleanings: Unfortunately, your toothbrush and dental floss can only do so much. There are areas in your mouth that home tools can’t reach, no matter how long you clean your teeth. We recommend regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and dental calculus from those hard-to-reach areas. 
  • Dental sealants: Some patients find that dental cleanings and brushing alone aren’t sufficient to keep cavities in check. In such cases, we recommend dental sealants, which are protective barriers applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep out unwanted bacteria. Applying dental sealants is simple, non-invasive, and painless. Additionally, sealants are effective, and the results last many years.
  • Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is an essential mineral that keeps the enamel strong to fight off tooth decay. While you can acquire fluoride from natural foods, water, and oral products, sometimes you need a topical application to maintain the required levels. Our office provides quick, painless fluoride treatments to free your teeth from cavities.

Are you losing the battle against tooth decay?

Glendale Dental Wellness loves to see our patients flash healthy, cavity-free smiles. If you need help keeping cavities in check, call 818-243-3838 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chan and his team. We offer comprehensive cavity prevention and treatment services to Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Silver Lake, Altadena, Echo Park, and beyond patients.