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Dental cavities and tooth decay are two of the world’s most common oral health problems. Anyone with teeth can get them; however, they are especially common in children, adolescents and older adults (over the age of 65). The good news is you can work to preventing dental cavities and tooth decay by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.
There are many reasons why one might develop cavities and tooth decay, but bacteria is what plays a major role. When bacteria are allowed to build up in the teeth, it begins to form plaque (a bacteria-filled white film) and produce acids. These acids then proceed to erode the tooth enamel, thus, creating cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can get worse and ultimately lead to decay and tooth loss. Below are some effective tips to help you prevent dental cavities and decay.
Know Your Cavity Risk Level
Knowing what your cavity risk level is will help you determine what type of changes you need to make to your oral hygiene routine and your diet. You can check your cavity risk level by visiting your dentist for a comprehensive dental exam. The exam will tell you where you stand on cavities and if treatment is needed. Once you’ve taken the step to know your cavity risk level, you can now proceed to take a more specified approach towards either improving or maintaining your oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth Regularly and With Fluoride Toothpaste
We already know that brushing our teeth is important, but there are many who still don’t know the proper way to brush their teeth. Brushing should be done twice a day (in the morning and after the last meal of the night). Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove food particles and cavity-causing plaque from the teeth.
Flossing at Least Once a day
Brushing alone isn’t enough to maintain good oral health. You will also need to add flossing at least once a day to your routine. Flossing allows you to clean those areas you can’t reach with your toothbrush, especially between the teeth and gum line. It ensures that food particles don’t get trapped between your teeth and breed bacteria.
Rinsing With Fluoridated Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with fluoridated mouthwash after brushing and flossing can help reduce the bacteria inside your mouth. It also reduces the amount of dental plaque and prevents gum disease
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Most of the time, cavities don’t show any physical symptoms, which means that they can go undetected and untreated for a long time while they continue to worsen. Visiting your dentist regularly (at least twice a year) ensures that cavities are caught and treated at an early stage. This type of preventative care will save you from a lot of pain and discomfort.
Dental visits also provide you with an opportunity to get your teeth professionally cleaned. Professional teeth cleaning helps you get rid of plaque, set-in stains and debris from between your teeth and underneath your gums.
Get Cavities Filled as Quickly as Possible
Another benefit of scheduling regular dental visits is that during those visits, your dentist can easily spot and fill cavities before they get the chance to worsen. These dental fillings restore the stability and shape of your teeth while also ensuring that there is no further decay or tooth loss.
Avoid Snacking on Sugary Foods and Drinks Frequently
When you consume sugary foods and drinks, sugar gets left behind in your mouth, and when bacteria feed on these sugars, they leave behind acids which erode the tooth’s enamel and create cavities. You can reduce your risk of developing cavities by avoiding those foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, try out healthier snack alternatives like sugar-free candies and sugarless gum.
Eating crunchy vegetables and fruits can also provide you with essential vitamins and minerals that are good for teeth health. Fruits like apples contain a lot of water and natural fluoride, which is good for maintaining healthy teeth.
Stay Hydrated
Water helps the body run effectively and efficiently. Drinking water can also improve the production of healthy saliva, which is essential for keeping the mouth clean and healthy.
Consider Fluoride Treatments or Sealants
Fluoride treatments provide your teeth with extra protection against bacteria, plaque and acids. This added protection can effectively prevent tooth decay and cavities. Dental sealants are also good for controlling tooth decay in certain areas of the mouth. The sealant can last for several years, depending on your bite.
Final Thoughts on Preventing Dental Cavities
Dental cavities and tooth decay are common oral health problems that affect a vast majority of people (particularly children, adolescents and older adults), however, they can be easily prevented with proper oral hygiene. Follow the tips above today to effectively prevent cavities and tooth decay. To get assistance for your health care, search online for something like “dentist Brighton” to get a local and reliable dental practice.
