Characteristics of a Cavity

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth, and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although our doctors at Flossophy Dental offer a variety of filling options for cavities, we would prefer you avoid them altogether.

Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Protect Teeth with Fluoride

Fluoride is commonly called nature’s cavity fighter and there’s a good reason for this. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. Fluoride also promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before a cavity forms in the tooth. Here at Flossophy Dental, we can provide patients with fluoride treatments to help them protect their pearly whites.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects: preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our practice is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you think you may benefit from fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Dental Benefits of Xylitol

Does the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis have you worried about the status of your tooth’s enamel? If so, our doctors at Flossophy dental recommend that you switch to sugar-free products that contain xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps prevent cavities. It is equal in sweetness and volume to sugar and can be consumed through chewing gum, candies, and dental products.

Xylitol is found most commonly in chewing gum and mints but is also found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including corn, raspberries, and plums. Unlike sucrose (regular table sugar), the main culprit associated with tooth decay, xylitol is not broken down by the most prominent decay-causing bacteria to produce acid. In fact, xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Because the bacteria in the mouth that are causing cavities are unable to digest xylitol, their growth is greatly reduced. The result is a healthy smile that you can be proud of.

If you have questions about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide here at Flossophy Dental, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.