Cavities are the most common dental issue, but according to family dentist Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D., there are things you can do to prevent them. Lisa Valderueda and her team have become known for their advanced, caring, and effective dental care in the Waipahu, HI, area and beyond.

Cavities occur when plaque and acid build up on teeth, and, over time, wears through the enamel. While cavities may seem like a small problem, they can become worse if they go untreated, eventually causing a more serious infection, pain, and even health issues like gum disease. 

Here the Waipahu dentist offers a few steps you can take now to prevent cavities from forming: 

• Flossing: Most cavities develop below the gum line, so you won’t be able to see them. This is why flossing is so important, because it cleans that hidden part of the tooth that your toothbrush often misses. If there is a cavity above the gum line, you’ll be able to see a slight brown or black discoloration or hole in the tooth. Whether you can see the cavity or not, if you feel any dental pain, you should see a dentist immediately.
• Dental Care Visits: Most serious cavities are preventable with regular dental exams. When the dentist examines your teeth and x-rays, she will be able to see where your enamel may be weakening and warn you of the risk of cavities. The dentist will also be able to treat any early-stage cavities with a crown and provide dental cleanings to remove plaque. 
• Healthy Diet: Though dental hygiene is extremely important, your diet has a huge impact on your dental health. Avoid sticky sugars, acidic fruits, and reduce your intake of gluten and starches. These foods all turn to acids when left on your teeth, and those acids lead to cavities.

Regular teeth cleaning is a sure-fire way to stop plaque from forming on your or your teeth. For more information about cavities, or to schedule your first appointment, call Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D. at (808) 676-5711 today. You can also learn more about the Waipahu practice on their website.