Preventing Tooth Decay – Tips for A Healthier Smile That Lasts

Preventing tooth decay starts with good oral hygiene and dietary habits. As you have probably heard, it’s important that you always brush your teeth at least twice a day as well as floss daily. We probably sound like a broken record, but it’s true! Brushing and flossing are your first lines of defense against cavities.

How Does Tooth Decay Happen? Tooth decay starts when food particles are left behind on your teeth from eating and drinking. Bacteria in your mouth feed off of these food particles and turn them into acid. The acid then eats holes into your teeth. These holes are called cavities. Before cavities get a chance to negatively affect your oral health, we have some preventive dental tips for you to follow.

Preventive At-Home Dental Care: In order to prevent tooth decay, you need to consistently maintain good oral health habits. This includes brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing. It is also important to limit your intake of carbohydrates and sugars. We know this is easier said than done, but remember that eliminating sugary, processed foods and beverages have other health benefits, too, which can help you stay motivated. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum can also help remove food debris from your mouth and encourage the production of saliva. Naturally occurring chemicals in your saliva help fight the bacteria and the acid damage they cause.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Even if your oral hygiene is perfect, it is still a good idea to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleaning at least twice a year. Despite your best efforts, plaque and tartar can still build up and cause damage in areas your tooth brush and floss can’t get to. Maintaining your regular appointments and teeth cleanings will keep you on a good path for preventing tooth decay. If you are genetically predisposed to gum disease or other oral health issues, it is important that you do not skip any appointments with your dentist. Some people don’t realize that taking good preventive dental health steps early can even save you money and prevent expensive restorative dental care in your later years. Preventing tooth decay is essential to keeping all of your natural teeth and maintaining a healthy smile. For more information about your oral health, or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today.