Optimising your dental health is easier said than done sometimes. Although we try to keep our teeth and gums free from decay and diseases, experiencing the odd cavity might be unavoidable for some people.

In this article, we’ll be discussing general dentistry and white fillings in Orpington at our clinic, Orpington Dental, why white fillings are preferred to amalgam or metal ones, and how to avoid costly cosmetic procedures by looking after your teeth.

What is decay?

When you eat or drink, the sugar from the food or beverage is converted into acid by the bacteria in your mouth called plaque.

The acid attacks the enamel and dentine of your teeth, which can be controlled by reducing sugary and unhealthy meals from your diet, and cleaning your teeth regularly.

However, uncontrolled acid attacks can result in progressive dental decay that might require dental restorations, such as fillings.

What are fillings?

Fillings are artificial materials that restore structure to fractured or decaying teeth. These come in different forms, with general dentistry and white fillings in Orpington being the preferred choice among our customers.

Why are white fillings best?

Metal or amalgam fillings appear as dark, unattractive spots in your mouth for which you might feel self-conscious. On the other hand, white fillings are tooth-coloured, look natural, and help to transform your smile.

White fillings don’t only look better but function to strengthen your teeth while metal fillings weaken your pearly whites, which means they’re more susceptible to breaking.

For the long term, white fillings are durable and the more affordable of the two forms of tooth restoration, considering the high cost of replacing broken or decaying teeth.

If you’re tired of having tooth sensitivity resulting from your filling, you’re in luck. With white fillings, you won’t suffer the consequences of exposing your new tooth piece to hot or cold food and beverages.

How can you prevent dental decay entirely?

Like other dentists, we believe that prevention is the best cure for decay. Unfortunately, we find that many of our clients don’t know how to improve their oral health or don’t dedicate enough time to brushing their teeth.

Knowledge is power, and it’s our mission to highlight preventative measures to keep you healthy to save you from having to pay for expensive cosmetic procedures in the long run.

Look after your teeth in the following ways to prevent teeth decay:

Control your acid attacks by consuming sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only if at all. Overall, you should follow a moderate diet and limit your intake of unhealthy food. Meals rich in calcium and protein strengthen the dentine of your teeth, try to incorporate more of these into your diet.

Use fluoridated toothpaste to clean your teeth, and brush those pearly whites twice a day for two to three minutes every time.

Fluoride preparations for children help prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel. Chat to our expert team for more information!

The technique you use to brush your teeth matters. Ask us for a demonstration if you’re not sure which method to implement.