One of the main things your dentist will look for when examining your mouth is decay, or signs of decay. Decay is an enemy to your teeth, as it destroys natural tooth structure, and finding it and removing it is vital if you want healthy teeth that are strong and resilient. If your dentist spots decay, your dentist will want to remove it and replace it with a filling, and here are a few things you should understand about dental fillings.

Smaller ones are better

One of the reasons dentists want you to come back every six months is to they can find problems with your teeth that are small. If you have a small cavity, for example, it is much better for your tooth in many ways.

First of all, a small cavity requires removing only a small portion of your tooth structure. The strength of your tooth largely relies on how much actual structure it has. Each time a dentist removes a small portion of it due to decay, it weakens the tooth. Secondly, dentists like to find cavities when they are small because fixing a small cavity greatly reduces the risk of this tooth having further problems.

At some point, a cavity can become so big that a dentist cannot use a regular filling to fix it. Instead, a dentist must place a crown on the tooth, simply so the tooth has enough strength to stay in your mouth.

Good oral care habits will help you avoid large cavities

Understanding why it is better to find and treat small cavities will help you understand the importance of good oral care habits. If you develop good habits for cleaning your teeth, you will be able to prevent large cavities and problems from forming in your teeth. Visiting your dentist as often as he or she suggests is one way to prevent large problems, but you can also prevent them simply by brushing and flossing each day.

Fillings rarely need to be replaced

The good news about fillings is that they can save your teeth, and the other good news is that they tend to last a very long time. If you care for your mouth, you will rarely need to have them replaced.

Keeping an eye on your teeth and the health of your mouth is vital if you want to protect your teeth. If you need to see a dentist for any reason, contact a clinic such as Tijeras Dental Service today to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and exam.