Prevent Cavities in Scottsdale, AZ

Learn how you can keep your smile healthy by preventing cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, area common dental finding. There are two main causes of cavities: poor dental hygiene and sugary diets.

Cavities can be incredibly painful, often leading to tooth decay and tooth loss if left untreated. Ensuring that you eat a balanced diet, embarking on a sound home oral care routine, and visiting the dentist regularly, are all crucial factors for both cavity prevention and excellent oral health.

What causes cavities?

Cavities form when the teeth are exposed to sugary foods on a regular basis. Sugars and carbohydrates collect on and around the teeth after eating. A sticky film called plaque forms on the tooth enamel. The oral bacteria within the plaque continually ingest sugar particles and emit acid. Initially, the acid attacks the tooth enamel, weakening it and leaving it vulnerable to tooth decay. If conditions are allowed to worsen, the acid begins to penetrate the tooth enamel and erodes the inner workings of the tooth.

How will I know if I have a cavity?

Large cavities can be excruciatingly painful, whereas tiny cavities may not be felt at all. Making matters even trickier, cavities sometimes form between the teeth, making them invisible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays and the dentist’s trained eyes help pinpoint even the tiniest of cavities so they can be treated before they worsen.

Some of the major symptoms of cavities include:

Hot and cold sensitivity that lingers
Pain for no apparent reason
Pain that wakes you from sleep
ensitivity during chewing
A toothache that doesn’t go away

If your are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit the dentist. Failure to do so will make the problem worse, leave you in pain, and could possibly jeopardize a tooth that could have been easily treated.

How can I prevent cavities at home?

Regular visits with the dentist are only part of the battle against cavities. Here are some helpful guidelines for cavity prevention:

Analyze the diet – Too many sugary or starchy snacks can expedite cavity formation. Replace sugary snacks like candy with natural foods where possible, and similarly replace soda with water.
Cut the snacks – Snacking too frequently can unnecessarily expose teeth to sugars. Save the sugar and starch for mealtimes, when you are producing more saliva, and drinking water. Make sure you consume enough water to cleanse the teeth.
Avoid sugary sticky foods – Sticky foods form plaque quickly, and are more difficult to clean off the teeth. Avoid these types of foods if possible.
Avoid snacks and drinks at bedtime – Eating a snack or drinking a sugary beverage right before bedtime is bad news. The carbohydrates from the snack and drink sit on the teeth all night – attacking enamel and maximizing the risk of cavities. Always remember to brush and floss your teeth after you last meal or snack before bedtime.
Brush and floss – remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice each day. At a minimum you should be prushing and flossing the teeth after breakfast and before bedtime.
Use a supplemental fluoride – A supplemental fluoride gel is prescribed when a patient suffers from dry mouth or has a high caries index. The supplemental fluoride can add an extra level of protection to prevent cavities.
Keep your dental appointments – The regular dental cleaning visit should be scheduled according to the dentists recommended recall interval. The recall interval is based on the condition of the teeth and gums and the level of good oral hygiene. Keeping your regular appointment is improtant to maintain your healthy smile!

If you have questions or concerns about cavity prevention, please consult with Dr. Bleeker.

Dental Exams & Cleanings

How to Properly Brush & Floss

Reviews

What our patients are saying

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Bleeker’s for many years, and it has always been a pleasure to be under his care. His professionalism is truly beyond the highest standard. He consistently demonstrates exceptional skill, integrity, and genuine concern for his patients.

Several years ago, I had veneers placed, and they performed beautifully without any issues for many years.  When one of the veneered teeth later came off, Dr. Bleeker recommended placing a full crown, which worked perfectly. About a week later, a second tooth veneer came loose. Rather than simply replacing it, he chose to place another full crown to ensure a stronger, longer-lasting result.

What impressed me most was that both crowns were provided free of charge—far beyond what I ever expected. Dr. Bleeker truly went above and beyond to stand behind his work and ensure I was completely satisfied.

I am incredibly grateful for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. I highly recommend Dr. Bleeker to anyone seeking outstanding dental care.
  
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   William Mcardle 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a general dentist in Phoenix and I needed Dr Bleeker’s help with a complex denture where my patient had to have his mandibular bone removed and replaced with a leg bone. I successfully help my patients with dentures in my office, but this particular case was beyond my skill level. Dr Bleeker has been exactly what this patient needed—knowledgeable, kind, easy to work with, and full of solutions. I will definitely refer other complex patients to Dr Bleeker.
  
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   Paul Nielson 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been to quite a few dentists in my time. I have implants and crowns and hands down Dr. Bleeker and his fabulous assistant, Cheryl make it worthwhile to drive from the Biltmore area to North Scottsdale. I highly recommend this dental practice.
  
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   Sherrie Kelly 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best office ever! Dr Bleeker is so talented and Cheryl and Melinda are so knowledgeable and kind! Always leave there laughing and having a great time!!!!
  
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   Interiors professional 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I met Dr Bleeker on a referral; I was able
To get right away because of a cancellation. I love the easy manner Dr Bleeker has and how relaxed he is. His PA Cheryl is very professional, however, she will always make you smile. They have all the latest technology including lasers for healing and Yomi for robotic surgery implant placement.
  
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   Beverly Schwartz 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clean office great atmosphere! Very professional staff! Dr Bleeker is very artistic
  
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   Lyn Chi 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the best place  to go for any and all dental work!  The staff and the doctor know what they’re doing. I can’t believe the difference in knowledge, experience and technology that they have. Just don’t go anywhere else you will regret it. That’s what happened to me…all of the time and money I  wasted at these other dental offices ..I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Bleeker and his staff.
  
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How to Prevent Cavities