Am I At Risk for Tooth Decay Dentist Wyoming, MI

Wouldn’t it be great if there was an easy way to know whether you’re at risk of developing a cavity?

Well, it turns out there is! At River Ridge Dentistry, our Wyoming, MI tooth decay dentist offers a saliva test that can let you know if you’re more prone to developing cavities than other people. Here’s what you need to know about saliva testing in dentistry.

Tooth Decay Risks

What Is Saliva Testing?

Saliva testing is a simple in-office procedure where we can test your saliva to look for factors that could cause dental problems for you down the line. When we perform a saliva test, we look at the number of “good” sugar complexes in your mouth versus the “bad” sugar complexes. The good sugar complexes can help fight tooth decay, but bad sugar complexes can make it worse.

What Issues Can Saliva Testing Predict?

With saliva testing, our tooth decay dentist is able to determine whether you are at an increased risk of developing cavities. If you have a plethora of bad sugar complexes in your saliva, your mouth becomes an incubator for any sugar that’s left over in your mouth from the food you eat. Good sugar complexes, on the other hand, can repel bacteria and make it easier for your body to fight off cavities before they develop.

What Do I Do If I’m At Risk?

If you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay, don’t panic. Regular visits to the dentist can help ensure that you stay cavity-free. The American Dental Association recommends that adults and children come in for teeth cleanings at least once per year, but you might want to come in more often than that to make sure that no cavities are developing and to reverse damage before it worsens. Dr. Helmus will work with you to determine a teeth cleaning schedule that works for your oral health.

In the meantime, developing a good oral hygiene routine is vital if you want to make sure you steer clear of cavities. Brush your teeth twice per day and develop a thorough flossing regimen that reaches the spaces between all of your teeth. Dr. Helmus might also recommend using a mouthwash to help fight against plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

Diet can also have an effect on whether you develop cavities. Foods like apples and carrots naturally help to scrape plaque from your teeth, while staying hydrated keeps your mouth clear of bacteria. Cheese and other dairy products contain calcium, which help to re-mineralize and strengthen your teeth. Sugary and starchy foods, on the other hand, can speed up the process of tooth decay. You can still enjoy these foods in moderation, but be sure you clean your teeth thoroughly at the end of the day.

If you want to avoid cavities, the best solution is to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Dr. Helmus is our Wyoming, MI family dentist with years of experience in cavity prevention. To schedule your appointment, call River Ridge Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.