How To Prevent Tooth Decay

Your mouth is the gateway to your body and this is one major reason why you should always keep it healthy. Tooth decay can occur when the bacteria in your mouth digest the carbohydrates you eat every day, turning them into acid which then slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth, causing its destruction and leading to tooth decay. But if you follow these tips, you can prevent tooth decay.

Brushing at least twice a day

Dentists highly recommend that you brush once in the morning and before going to bed. If you really want to be diligent, you can brush after every meal. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when you’re cleaning your pearly whites.

Floss regularly

Most often, brushing doesn’t help to remove all the food particles from your teeth and if left unchecked can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss. Flossing helps to remove the food debris stuck in the hard to reach areas, to keep your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.

Rinse Using Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash is a great way of keeping your mouth feeling fresh when you don’t have the time to brush – like after a meal at work. Many rinses contain antiseptic ingredients that help to kill off plaque causing bacteria, so check out the ingredients when you’re picking one up or ask your dental care provider for the best option.

Eat Healthy

More often than not, it is what we eat that affects our bodies the most and this certainly stands true for our teeth as well. Stick to a balanced diet and avoid junk foods like chips and candy that can get stuck to the surface of your teeth. However, if you do like the occasional sweet, make sure to brush your teeth to remove the sticky foods.

Drink Fluoride Water

Children need to drink at least a pint of fluoride water daily to prevent tooth decay. Most public water supplies contain fluoride which has helped significantly reduce tooth decay. If you buy bottled water, be sure to check the ingredients so you don’t miss out on the benefits.

Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments

If you are not getting enough fluoride in your water supply, talk to your dental care provider about possible options or periodic fluoride treatments.

Talk to your dentist about dental sealants

Sealants are great for children and adults alike. This is a protective plastic coating that is applied to the back teeth to prevent food form collecting in the hard to clean nooks and crannies. Sealants are recommended for all school going children and the great thing about them is that they last for up to ten years although regular checkups are required.

Schedule regular appointments with your dental care provider

There is no substitute for a good dentist who will be able to identify any problems with your teeth at an early stage or even prevent them from occurring. Prevention is better than cure, and in the case of dentistry, definitely less expensive. Visit your dentist who can recommend a schedule that works for you and your family.