Most people know that they don’t want cavities, but do you know what they are and how to prevent them? Cavities are the result of tooth decay or when the hard, outer layer of your teeth (tooth enamel) is damaged.

Oahu Dental Care, the best dentist office on the island of Oahu, has more than 25 years of experience helping patients prevent and treat cavities. In addition to general dentistry, the full-service dental clinic also offers teeth whitening, crowns, root canals, preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal exams.

Tooth decay can be caused by many things, and anyone can get cavities. When you eat or drink foods that have carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, and candy, the bacteria in your mouth turns the sugars in the food into acids. That acid starts to attack your tooth enamel, and if the acid turns into plaque and clings to your teeth for too long, it can create holes in your teeth called cavities.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use a mouth rinse in between meals. It’s OK if you have a sweet tooth, but another way to prevent cavities is to eat nutritious, balanced meals. Make sure you visit the dentist at least twice a year so they can help you prevent cavities with a professional teeth cleaning and checkup. If you do get a cavity, depending on the severity, your dentist might offer a filling, crown, or root canal.

Only your dentist can tell for certain if you have a cavity, so if you have a toothache or can see pits in your teeth, schedule an appointment with the dental care team at Oahu Dental Care. For more information about the best general and cosmetic dentistry practice on Oahu, visit the Oahu Dental Care website, or call the Pearl City location at (808) 456-5005 or the Honolulu location at (808) 732-2821.