Remember dental checkups when you were younger? The only thing that mattered was finding out “Do I have any cavities?” As we get older, life gets more complicated. We stop thinking about cavities and start thinking about everything else.
Even though we have other things to think about, cavity prevention is still vital to a healthy mouth, which translates to a healthier body overall.
A cavity isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that literally eat away at the tooth, causing tooth decay. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and tooth loss.
You already know brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental checkups is standard cavity prevention.
In addition to brushing, flossing and seeing Dr. Cameron Garrett here in Langley at least twice a year, here are six simple things you can do to help lower your risk for tooth decay:
• Rinse between meals: Even if you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
• Use a straw: Carbonated drinks weaken enamel (the hard, protective outer layer of your tooth). Using a straw helps keep the drink away from your teeth.
• Avoid sticky foods: That candy bar might taste delicious, but the gooey goodness sticks to your teeth longer, increasing your risk for tooth decay.
• Avoid acidic foods: Acids in foods and drinks weaken tooth enamel for up to an hour after you eat them.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum (especially if it contains xylitol) increases saliva, which helps prevent tooth decay.
• Drink more water: Water promotes saliva production and helps remove food particles.
These tips are universal, but if you have specific concerns, Dr. Cameron Garrett can provide personal tips and information to help you avoid tooth decay and cavities. If it’s time for a checkup, call us at 604-532-9040 to schedule your appointment in our Langley office.
Langley dentist, Dr. J. Cameron Garrett, was born and raised in Kamloops, BC on a small hobby farm. He grew up playing lots of sports and volunteering with a number of organizations. Due to his interest in the outdoors and adventure, he became a forest firefighter in the summer for 11 years. In the winter, he worked in welding and carpentry.
Alongside his many careers, Dr. Garrett pursued a degree at Thompson Rivers University, and it was here that he discovered dentistry. He looked into it deeper and realized it had all the components of a career he desired. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed the idea of helping people. Although Dr. Garrett considered being a medical doctor, it was the ability to combine his unique skillsets that attracted him to dentistry.
He then attended dental school at UBC, and after graduating, he worked as an associate dentist in Tsawwassen, Surrey, and Langley, BC. He then found a mentor in Dr. Cameron Garrett and has enjoyed working at our practice ever since. Together, they continue to help patients make positive changes and highlight the connection between oral health and overall health.
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