Despite being very widespread and impacting people of all ages, from children to seniors, tooth decay can be prevented. Safeguarding your smile against cavities means proper homecare, seeing your dentist at regular intervals, and also watching what you eat and drink. With the right steps, you can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable smile.
5 Steps for Preventing Tooth Decay
- Drink More Water: When you drink water, you hydrate yourself and protect your teeth. Unlike sodas, energy drinks, or sports drinks, water doesn’t contain sugar or a highly acidic content, which means your teeth don’t suffer from enamel erosion and a higher risk of cavity formation.
- Eat Healthier: We suggest avoiding foods high in sugar and other starches. We also recommend eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition to containing essential nutrients, many fruits and vegetables can help scrub away plaque as you eat them, such as carrots, apples, or broccoli. Removing plaque helps limit the risk of cavities forming.
- Brush Twice a Day: You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. We suggest doing so in the morning and again at night before bed. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles, which can remove plaque without endangering enamel.
- Always Floss: Every night before going to bed you need to floss your teeth. When you use floss, you remove the bits of food trapped between the teeth. A toothbrush can’t reach these bits of food, so without floss bacteria could break down the particles, leading to plaque buildup and a high risk of tooth decay.
- Undergo Dental Cleanings: You should have your teeth cleaned twice a year. A cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. A cleaning not only helps combat cavities, but can also aid in gum disease prevention.
Do You Have Questions About Tooth Decay?
Do you need to see your dentist about cavity treatment or prevention? We can decide which treatment options will best improve your smile. Schedule a consultation by calling Calcagno Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN, today at (507) 281-3659.
