Well, we're on your side talking teeth today because we need good mouth health, oral hygiene each and every day in our life. And we're joined in studio right now with dentist Chris Swicord with Smile Craft. Thanks for being here, Chris. How are you doing? I'm doing great. It's great to be here today. So why is oral health so important to us?
Right. So oral health is very important. So your whole body is connected, right? Right. And your teeth are a small part of that system, a small part of your body. But it's the first thing that anyone notices when you speak or when you smile. Sure. Yeah. And I guess one of the things that maybe they don't see but your dentist would if they go is a cavity. What is a cavity?
That's right. So a cavity, what causes a cavity is that when you eat or drink, that sugar sticks to your teeth. OK. And the bacteria in the process of eating that sugar creates acid, and that acid actually dissolves your teeth. OK. It's pretty wild. Yeah. That's what happens. So as a dentist, what do you do? How do you treat a cavity? What's the treatment?
So ideally, you would prevent cavities before you get to cavities. And the best ways to prevent cavities would be, one, to drink water while you're eating or drinking. OK. Ideally, fluoridated water. It'll wash a lot of that sugar and food off the teeth. Second, you've got to brush and floss twice a day, every day. Everyone knows that. But if you think about it this way, if you put some food on the counter, leave it there for a few days, it's going to get nasty and it's going to get gross, right? Yeah. And that same thing happens on a smaller scale, unknowing to most, in your mouth. Right. And so you've got to brush and floss it out. And you've got to do it consistently. Consistently.
And I'll admit, sometimes I miss flossing once or twice. It happens. But if you miss too many times, that food and bacteria will form a plaque, hardens like a rock, and you can't brush or floss it yourself. It's also important to have those, [unclear] every two times a year. Go and get them cleaned, right? Exactly. Does that really cause a difference there with your teeth? It absolutely causes a difference. If that plaque hardens like a rock, you can't brush or floss it yourself.
And a great way to also prevent cavities is fluoride, right? Fluoride, it's like medicine for your teeth, right? Anti-infectional properties, reduces sensitivity, fortifies the enamel. And studies have proven that fluoride water reduces it by 25% cavities, and fluoride varnish provided by health care professionals can reduce it by nearly 50%.
Wow, a lot of good information right there. Smile Craft, where you're at, how can people learn more about you? You got a website? I do have a website. So my website is thesmilecraftdentistry.com. There you go. Chris Swicord right there. Thanks for talking teeth with us today. Appreciate it. I'm going to be smiling because my teeth are all white and clean and flossed. We'll be right back.