Dentists see tooth decay daily. It is one of the most prevalent oral health issues in the United States. Many people are unaware of how to care for their teeth to avoid tooth decay. Here are ten suggestions for preventing tooth decay.
How To Prevent Tooth Decay
Saving your smile and dental problems is a combination of steps, and you can check out Huch Family Dentistry for dental procedures that could help you improve your oral health. Cavities and tooth decay can be avoided with efficient, disciplined oral care. Here are a few tips to take your oral care to the next step and avoid tooth decay:
1. Brush As Often As Possible
We all have bacteria that live in our mouths. While generally harmless, when you put food in your mouth, this bacteria starts to attack the food to aid digestion. Everything is going well until all the food is digested, but the bacteria continue to produce acid that then begins to eat away at your teeth.
This irritates your crown, causing a decay process to begin. It takes up to twenty minutes for plaque to develop, but if you brush your teeth immediately after a meal, you can help remove the sticky plaque before it causes any damage.
When you brush your teeth, make sure it’s with fluoride toothpaste, brushing at least twice a day to eliminate any growing plaque after each meal. You can also invest in a good quality floss or an interdental cleaner to get at the food bits stuck in the spaces between your teeth.
2. Avoid Too Much Sugar
Consuming lots of sugar isn’t an issue if you don’t let it linger too long on your teeth. When it stays on your teeth for too long, it increases your chances of getting cavities. Weird as it sounds, it’s better to consume a pound of cake in one go than to suck on candy for an extended period.
3. Choose Sugar-Free Gum
When you buy gum from the pharmacy, ask for Xylitol-contain gum. It promotes saliva production and protects your teeth from cavities.
4. Have A Disciplined Oral Health Routine
Keeping up with your oral care is one of the most important things you need to improve your tooth health. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day or after having each meal. To eliminate the plaque accumulated between your teeth, make sure you’re also flossing regularly and using mouthwash to keep the bacteria from building in your mouth.
5. Look At The Labels
Candy and desserts aren’t the only sources of sugar. Almost all manufactured and processed foods contain a certain percentage of sugar, even in what you wouldn’t expect. BBQ sauce, tinned foods, and snacks contain sugar. When shopping, read the label at the back to be aware of what you’ll be putting into your mouth.
6. Drink Tap Water
Fluoride is often added to public water sources, and the element is a key component in fighting off tooth decay. Those who consume fluoridated water can strengthen their teeth without purchasing substitute fluorine for their tooth health. This element protects your teeth from harmful substances found in plaque. Fluoride also aids in halting tooth decay in its early stages. Take in plenty of water to keep your dental hygiene in great shape.
Also, make sure to rinse your mouth with water often. People who only ever drink bottled water risk missing out on fluoride. If your dentist believes you’re at high risk of getting cavities, you may be advised to get a fluoride-containing mouth rinse.
7. Eating Tooth-Friendly Food
It’s critical to maintain a healthy diet for a variety of reasons. You might be surprised to learn that hard, crunchy fruits and veggies go a long way in helping prevent tooth decay. Eating these fiber-rich foods helps clean out your teeth, scrubbing them almost as well as a toothbrush!
Certain foods are more beneficial to your teeth than others. Stay away from items that might get stuck in the spaces of your teeth, or else, make sure to brush your teeth immediately after eating them. On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, as do unsweetened coffee and tea, helping wash away any food bits.
8. Consume A Lot of Tea
Ideally, go with green and black teas to aid in the removal of harmful bacteria from your mouth. Drinking a cup of these unsweetened teas daily helps keep the corrosive bacteria at bay.
9. Reduce your sugar intake.
Cutting back on your sugar intake might be difficult, but it’ll go a long way in maintaining and improving your dental health.
10. Schedule Bi-Annual Dentist Appointments
One of the biggest investments you can make to your teeth is booking appointments with a professional dentist at least twice a year. While home remedies and tips can help you maintain your oral health, a real doctor is qualified to identify any issues you might have in the future and come up with a relevant solution.
When visiting dentists, you’ll have your teeth examined for any signs of decay and receive a thorough cleaning to help improve the health of your dental hygiene.
Regular visits also help ensure that it can be caught early on and corrected. If anything develops, This will be crucial in helping you avoid issues or, at the very least, detect them early. Your dentist can advise you on the best schedule for you.
11. Think About Getting Dental Sealants
Sealants are synthetic coatings often applied to the molars on the chewing surface to keep them protected. The sealant blocks food-collecting grooves and notches, ensuring your tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acid. Sealants are durable, lasting up to several years without needing replacement.
12. Avoid Snacking Too Often
When you consume sodas and other drinks, you aid your mouth bacteria in producing acids that can erode tooth enamel. Your teeth are constantly under attack if you’re snacking at night or multiple times throughout your day.
Conclusion
Health is wealth, and taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. You could boost your oral health and prevent tooth decay with a few tips. Consult with your health care provider to find out what would be best for your health!