Despite its simplicity, brushing your teeth properly is still highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least two times daily, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each. You should also floss at least once daily, although always gently pushing your way up between your teeth so that you don’t scrape or break your gum. If you need help with choosing the right toothpaste, your dental hygienist can provide that as well.
Foods that contain trans-fatty acids (which can cause plaque and cavities) should be avoided, as should foods high in sugar and salt, as well as citrus fruits. Instead, eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D, such as salmon, goose, and beef, as these foods provide plenty of calcium to help build strong enamel. Vegetables that are high in vitamin A are beta-carotene and cantaloupe, and dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnips, and carrots are all excellent sources of vitamin A. These foods help keep your teeth and gums healthy, which are two things your dentist will likely encourage you to do. By avoiding foods that contribute to tooth decay and eating a balanced diet, you can lower your risk of cavities.
You may think that you can brush your teeth only once or twice each day, but this is actually not the best way how to prevent tooth decay and keep it from occurring. It is best to brush your teeth three times daily, and use floss every day as well. Using a combination of both brushing and flossing will ensure that you remove plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay. If you smoke, then make sure to quit smoking, as smoking causes decay of the teeth.
The best time to brush your teeth is when you’re not eating or drinking, but while you are sitting still in one position. Use your soft-bristle toothbrush to brush the front of your mouth, working downward towards the back. Try to brush your tongue as well, if possible, but don’t scrape the roof of your mouth or else you’ll risk getting a painful scratch. Brushing your teeth at night is also an excellent idea. If you have dentures that require you to flip them over, it’s important to flip them back correctly before you go to bed.
Fluoride can be added to your regular toothpaste, if you want to try to prevent tooth decay or improve your oral health. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and is especially beneficial if you have missing teeth because of a cavity or injury. If you suspect that you may have fluoride sensitivity, then speak with your dentist. Fluoride toothpastes are available at most drug stores and discount retailers, and they work wonders.
It’s not only about preventing cavities: dental sealants can also improve the appearance of your teeth by sealing up gaps or cracks, as well as reducing the amount of bacteria that develops in between teeth and below the gum line. Dental sealants have been used for decades, but in recent years, they have gained popularity as a treatment for cavities. However, you should never apply dental sealants directly to the inside of your mouth. Instead, apply the sealant to a clean cotton swab and then touch the swab to a cavity. If you get a brownish yellow color, this means that your mouth isn’t ready for dental sealants yet.
Although you may brush your teeth once each day, it’s still important to brush them regularly. The teeth should be cleaned between brushings, although you may want to wait between brushing to let them dry. Brushing removes plaque, which is one of the main causes of cavities. However, when you stop brushing your teeth, plaque becomes a lot easier to get deep into the gums. The best way to stop yourself from developing cavities is to begin following a dentist’s recommended brushing schedule, which usually means two toothbrushes a week for children and three scrubs per visit for adults.
Sugary foods and drinks shouldn’t be consumed at all, and sugary candies and snacks shouldn’t be eaten in excess. Foods that are high in sugar have been known to cause tooth decay: therefore, you should limit your intake of sugary pastries, chocolate bars, dried fruits, and juices. Furthermore, if you do eat too much sugary food, you should make sure you brush your teeth immediately after you’ve finished your meal, or rinse your mouth with a commercial mouthwash that will counteract the effects of the excess sugar on your teeth and gums.
