Cavities or tooth decay are tiny holes that gradually develops in the hardest surface of your teeth. Cavities are caused by bacteria in our mouth which convert the sugar present in our food into acids. Over time, these acids demineralize and destruct the tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay. Cavities can be very painful; if not treated early, they can affect the deeper layer of the teeth and result in infection, toothache and tooth loss. You will have to make several trips to dentist’s office to get treatment and relief from them. But tooth decay can be prevented with proper dental care. Here are 10 important ways you can use to prevent cavities.
Brushing
Regularly brushing your teeth is the first step you should take to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent cavities. Brushing twice a day is necessary to prevent tooth decay. Brushing for at least two minutes before going to bed at night is all the more important. You need not brush your teeth just after eating, particularly if you have eaten foods that contains acid like frizzy drinks, fruits, wine etc. Brushing after an hour can allow saliva to neutralize the acid. It is also necessary to brush your teeth correctly. Brush your teeth by tilting your bristle tips about 45 degree angle on your gum line. Also replace your toothbrush after every three month as they wear out after several uses and become less effective in cleaning your teeth and removing the plaque.
Flossing
Flossing is equally necessary for preventing tooth decay and for good oral hygiene. Flossing helps to remove the plaque and food particles that your toothbrush cannot, that is between the teeth and under your gum line. Flossing one or two times a day, especially after dinner will prevent bacteria from flourishing.
Use Fluoride
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride for brushing. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to protect your teeth by preventing mineral loss in the enamel of your teeth by replacing the lost minerals and preventing bacteria from making acid. You can also drink fluoridated water which is also beneficial for preventing tooth decay.
Rinse Your Mouth
You may not brush every time after eating or drinking something. So for neutralizing the affect of sugary and acidic food, you should at least drink some water or rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Rinsing will help to remove the food particle that may have gotten stuck on your teeth.
Eat A Healthy Balanced Diet
For healthy strong teeth, you need to have healthy balanced diet. More you eat refined carbohydrates like bread, biscuits, sugary snacks; you put yourself at the risk of dental decay. Also avoid high acidic foods as it can harm your tooth enamel. Frequent snacking also exposes the teeth to cavities. Each time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth convert the carbohydrate into acids that causes tooth decay. Besides these, the sticky foods like chocolates, candies etc. are major culprits for tooth decay. Encourage your children to eat lot of fruits and vegetables. They help to remove plaque and food particles that get stuck in between the teeth and gums and are also good for general health and well being.
Use A Mouth Wash
A mouth wash rinse can help you get rid of harmful bacteria that reside in inaccessible places of your mouth. Using an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth wash will help to kill those hidden bacteria. Use a mouth rinse containing fluoride if you are already suffering from dental cavities. Do not use mouth wash just after brushing. Use mouth wash preferably after lunch or some other time.
Chew Sugar Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after you have eaten something can also prevent tooth decay by stimulating saliva and washing away the food particles and neutralizing the acid in the mouth.
Get Sealants Placed
Dental sealants which are thin plastic coatings are placed on the chewing surface of your back teeth (molars) to protect your teeth; it covers the surface and prevents bacteria and food particles from getting stuck inside them.
Treat Your Dry Mouth
Those who suffer from dry mouth problem are more prone to cavities. Dry mouth can be caused by anxiety, dehydration and smoking. Dry mouth can harm the salivary glands and further damage your teeth. Finding the reason for dry mouth and treating it will help to prevent tooth decay.
Regular Dental Visits
For good oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay, get a dental checkup every six months. It can help your dentist to check the condition of mouth and find if there is any risk of developing dental cavity. Early treatment can help to reverse the condition. Also enquire if you need a professional cleaning or scaling done.
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