The way you brush your teeth is a vital element in dental hygiene. Improper brushing has been found out to be one main cause of cavities. This is because with improper brushing, food particles that get lodged in between teeth are not removed and flushed out. Worse, they even get more deeply imbedded.

To properly brush your teeth, you will need a good toothbrush with soft but firm bristles. A fluoride rich toothpaste is a must. Follow a circular or up and down motion while brushing, paying more attention to hard to reach areas. Brush your tongue as well.

Gingivitis is one common condition that will cause the reddening, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. This usually starts with a gradual plaque buildup. Treatment would require a good dental hygiene and removal of plaque by a dental hygienist or a dentist.

Apples have also been called nature’s toothbrush because they would increase saliva flow, stimulate the gums, and reduce the build-up of bacteria that is causing cavity. If you have a chronically dry mouth, it will also contribute to tooth decay. According to studies, saliva usually flows slowly during our sleep, so going to bed without brushing our teeth is very harmful.

Be very careful in eating dried fruits. They can be very hard on the teeth because they are very high in sugar. Dried fruits often cling to the teeth. Fruit juices (even if they are unsweetened), contributes very highly to tooth decay, for these are acidic and they contain very high levels of simple sugars.

Make sure you have a complete set of dental supplies in order to maintain total dental care and good dental health, and to prevent cavities from forming.

Some of the dental supplies you need to invest on are: a good toothbrush, one preferably recommended by your dentist; waterpicks which are useful in getting out debris from areas missed by brushing and flossing; dental floss for hard to reach in between teeth areas; fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection. Don’t just go for come-ons given by certain brands of dental products. Read the labels and find out if the product you are buying is recommended and approved by dental associations. For instance, whitening toothpastes do not necessarily contain fluoride. So if you were to choose between whitening and fluoride contents, you might as well choose the latter.

Majority of cavities are completely painless – because the outer enamel has no nerves and it is only when the cavity enters the dentin that one may be aware of its existence. The most common symptom is an increased sensation to cold and/or sweet foods or beverages. The cavity weakens the tooth and can cause a fracture when biting down.

It is better to treat a small cavity than to wait until they feel pain. By that time, the cavity may have infected the dental pulp, requiring a root canal or an extraction. Regular dental examinations will reduce the probability that a dental cavity goes undetected and spread.

People who have dry mouth are more likely to get cavities. Dry mouth may be caused by illness, medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and depending on its cause, may be either permanent or temporary.

The three main types of cavities are: coronal, root, and recurrent decay. Coronal cavities, the most common type of cavity occurring in children and adults, usually are located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth. Root cavities are usually found on the root of the tooth when part of the tooth’s root is exposed, infecting the dental pulp. Recurrent decay is formed around existing fillings and crowns.

So how is cavity filling done? It starts with thoroughly cleaning the cavity and its surrounding areas by means of hand instruments and mechanical rotary instruments. Then the dentist dries the cavity by blowing air to the hole by means of a small air pump. Afterwards, the clean cavity is filled with either dental amalgam, composite material gold or porcelain. However there is this time tested and widely preferred silver filling which is more economical and longer lasting.

Previously, when an old filling wears out or you had a cavity, your only option was to get another silver filling. However, silver fillings have several drawbacks – edges of silver fillings can wear down and become weak; when fillings break, the tooth is no longer sealed, and cavities get started again. A cavity can develop under a filling, and silver fillings work like a wedge inside the tooth. As the metal contracts and expands with age, it splits the tooth.

Silver fillings, made of 50% mercury, can corrode and leak, producing stains on the teeth and gums. Some people are concerned because of mercury’s toxicity.