How To Take Care Of A Cavity If I Can't See A Dentist
Posted on: 2 August 2016
Ideally, the best thing to do if you have a tooth problem is to see a dentist – but sometimes it can take a while to get an appointment. You can still take care of a cavity on your own and prevent it from getting any worse, and even help protect it while you wait for treatment options.
Dental Hygiene
If you have a cavity, this means some decay has already occurred. While you can't undo the decay, you can stop it from progressing by taking good care of your teeth. Start by trying to brush your teeth twice a day, plus after every meal. Proper use of floss can help as well as mouthwash.
When it comes time to clean your teeth, start by flossing. Flossing before you brush clears out the spaces between your teeth of gunk, letting the toothpaste's fluoride get into those spaces.
Brush gently – not hard – but be thorough. Aim to spend about two minutes on average brushing your teeth, making sure that you brush every exposed surface. Use a brush with soft bristles; bacteria isn't hard to brush away, and firmer bristles or more pressure can wear away at your enamel.
The best time to brush is about half an hour after you've eaten rather than right away. This is because acids in foods can weaken your teeth's enamel, and waiting before you brush lets your saliva clear those acids away. If you brush while your enamel is weak, you can wear away that enamel over time.
Finally, while most toothpastes contain fluoride, it doesn't hurt to look for a brand that is specifically "anti-cavity." There's also a possibility that you could get a prescription for special toothpaste.
Home Treatments
Good dental hygiene can help prevent a cavity from getting worse, but you can also use an at-home fluoride treatment to try to seal and protect the cavity, making it harder for bacteria to get into it in the first place. You can get these a few different ways.
Some treatments are available over the counter at many pharmacies, though they won't be prescription strength. If you can see your dentist or your even your primary care doctor, you might be able to get a prescription for fluoride supplements – which come in the form of a tablet you swallow – or a topical application that you put directly on the surface of your teeth.
Whatever you pick up, using supplements or topical applicants can both help protect your cavity from further decay and protect your other teeth by making them stronger. For more information, contact professionals like Tore D Steinberg DDS PC.
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