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Dr. Wong is proud to announce that he is the new owner of Northgate Dental, Northgate Dental. Please enjoy our improved website and a bold new logo brand. We look forward to hearing from you.

Address: 750 Las Gallinas Ave., Suite 217, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 479-2623
Email: frontdesk@ericwongdds.com

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Stop Cavities In Their Tracks

By Bart Price 7 years ago5 Comments
Girl Eating a Donut - Preventive Dentistry Helps Prevent Cavities

How to Prevent Cavities If You Like Sweets

The good news is that cavities are preventable. Thanks to years of education from parents, teachers, and dentists, we know that eating candy and drinking sugary drinks can contribute to cavities. For those who enjoy the taste of sugar, (and who doesn’t), satisfying a sweet tooth can lead not only to cavities, but also more serious health issues like gingivitis, and the feelings of guilt you feel every time from indulging. At Northgate Dental we believe that by following a few common sense practices, those who like sugar can maintain healthy teeth. Here are seven tips that can help prevent cavities if you have a sweet tooth.

  1. Brush with fluoride twice a day
  2. Floss your teeth daily
  3. Visit your dentist every six months
  4. Avoid sugary snacks
  5. Eat tooth-healthy foods
  6. Consider dental sealants for kids
  7. Apply fluoride treatments after teeth cleaning

Stopping Gingivitis and the Development of Plaque

Gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

What Toothpastes Should I use to Fight Cavities?

Young Girl Brushing TeethThe most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth after eating. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. It does this in two ways. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Second, it reverses the early stages of acid damage by solidifying areas that have started to decay. Frequent brushing can make a big difference in the fight against tooth decay.

Dental Sealants For Kids Can Help

The American Dental Association recommends that kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt. Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive solution for preventing cavities. They are thin coatings applied to the biting surfaces that help prevent bacteria and other debris from getting into the deep crevices on the teeth. Young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in and kids are notoriously bad brushers and tend to ignore the problem areas in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay.

Let us know how we can help keep your family smiling.

Category:
  Preventive Dentistry
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5 Comments

  • Brent S. says:

    Thanks, great article. I learned how I can help my kids protect their teeth with better brushing, healthier foods and better brushing techniques.

  • Larry T. says:

    I discovered by reading this Northgate Dental blog that cavities are preventable. Thanks for pointing out that years of education from parents, teachers, and dentists show us that eating candy and drinking sugary drinks can contribute to cavities. Hope schools and government policy makers are listening. My kids will benefit from this too!

  • Virginia C. says:

    What a great source of dental information. Love your website! I will be calling you soon about my kids cavities and how to better prevent them.

  • Lisa B. says:

    Superb blog! I learned alot about cavities and how to prevent them with my family. My next call is to Northgate Dental for an appointment, thanks!

  • Mary M. says:

    Thanks for making information about stopping cavities interesting. I’ve started following your Northgate Dental Blog and look forward to more great posts!

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