Tooth Decay Prevention


The exceptional doctors and wonderful staff at Family Dentistry of West Bloomfield are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal dental health. As a family dentistry practice in West Bloomfield that offers a comprehensive range of dental services from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and more, we are committed to providing each patient we serve with the very best dental care!

Tooth decay is a problem that affects millions of Americans of all ages. Tooth decay, which is a process that occurs over time, is damage that occurs to the teeth when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that slowly destroy the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss.

Preventing Tooth Decay

While tooth decay is a common problem that affects many people, it can be prevented by taking a few measures including:

Schedule Regular Visits with Your West Bloomfield Dentist -- To maintain a healthy smile, it is important to see your dentist once every six months for routine examinations and professional cleanings. At these important dental visits, your dentist will look for any developing or existing problems with your teeth and gums. If a problem is found like tooth decay, it can be dealt with quickly before it has the chance to become a bigger problem.

Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet -- To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is very important to eat a healthy, well-balance diet containing a variety of foods from the five food groups. It's just as important to limit your consumption of sugary and starchy foods like candies, cakes, chips and crackers. You should also limit the number of beverages you consume which are high in sugar like sodas, energy drinks and fruit juices. When you have the urge to snack, choose something healthy like fresh vegetables, low fat cheese & yogurt or nuts. And instead of reaching for a sugary drink, choose water instead as it's good for you plus it's great at flushing away bacteria, food particles and acids.

Consider Tooth Sealants -- The chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) are very difficult to clean well to rid them of particles of food and bacteria. These teeth also have grooves or fissures that provide the ideal hiding place for bacteria and bits of food. Tooth sealants can be applied to the molars, premolars and other cavity-prone teeth to protect them from decay. Tooth sealants are made of a resin material and are quick and easy for your dentist to apply.

Ensure You're Getting Enough Fluoride -- Fluoride is a substance that is proven to strengthen teeth to make them more resistant to decay. Most public water sources contain fluoridated water. If you are unsure if you're getting enough fluoride, we can check the fluoride level of your primary source of drinking water. If necessary, we can recommend a fluoride supplement. There are also many toothpastes, mouthwashes and even dental flosses which contain fluoride.

Contact Your West Bloomfield Dentist Office

If you have any questions about tooth decay or how to prevent it, please don't hesitate to contact us as we're always happy to speak with you! Our practice offers all the dental services your family needs to keep your smiles healthy and attractive. Whether you need early dental care for your children, or wonder how a cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your own smile, we welcome you to our practice where we provide excellent dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment.