Individuals must regularly maintain their teeth to prevent cavities and tooth decay. When plaque is allowed to build up, it will lead to cavities and, eventually, tooth loss. Understanding how to prevent cavities can save you money, frustration, and time in the future. Below are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy and clean. Make sure to follow these tips as closely as possible. You will be surprised at how easy they are.
Avoiding Sugary Drinks
In addition to the sugar that soft drinks contain, they also contain acids, which may erode enamel. These substances may contribute to dental caries when consumed excessively and more so if the individual has bad oral hygiene. One study described the case of a 25-year-old man who had severely worn-out front teeth and drank cola for seven years. As a result, his teeth had extensive decay in the canines, incisors, and molars, with less severe lesions on the premolars and molars. The study showed a relationship between dental erosion and caries and the drinking of soft drinks.
While sugar does not rot teeth, it does encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth that produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel and lead to cavities. In addition, drinking sugary drinks at night may damage sensitive tooth enamel. Rinse thoroughly with clear water after drinking them to prevent tooth decay. And if you must drink them during the day, try to limit their consumption.
Avoiding Acidic Foods
A balanced diet is essential for healthy teeth. However, if your teeth are sensitive, avoid acidic foods. After eating acidic food and drinking acidic beverages, you should brush your teeth to prevent tooth decay. The acid in acidic foods can wear away your tooth’s enamel. If you must eat acidic food, wait 20 minutes before brushing. Then, rinse your mouth with water.
Brush Teeth with Fluoridated Toothpaste
If your child is under six years old, you should consider giving them fluoridated toothpaste early. Whenever a child’s first tooth appears, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to begin brushing their child’s teeth. Depending on the size of their mouths, parents should do this using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. While brushing your child’s teeth, it’s important to supervise and help them brush their teeth properly.
Clean Between Your Teeth Every Day
Floss your teeth consistently. Food debris gets stuck between our teeth when we eat. If the debris remains stuck between the teeth, it can lead to cavities. Flossing or using an interdental cleaner daily can remove food debris stuck between the teeth.
Getting Regular Dental Cleanings
Getting regular cleanings for your teeth is crucial for maintaining oral health. Dental cavities are among the most common problems that affect Americans. According to the American Dental Association, nearly nine in ten adults over age 20 suffer from tooth decay. Routine dental cleanings help eliminate plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your mouth. When performed regularly, cleanings can also help prevent gum disease. If you want to avoid cavities, scheduling a cleaning appointment every six months is the first step in ensuring a healthy smile.
Cavities are painful and can lead to tooth loss or infection. The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain regular dental cleanings and brushing habits. While you might not notice any early cavity symptoms, it’s best to see a dentist when you notice an unpleasant toothache. You can also protect your teeth from cavities by applying dental sealants to their top chewing surfaces.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent cavities 100% of the time. Still, you can do many different things to help reduce your risk. So whether you are looking to prevent cavities because you have a cavity or want to prevent them from happening in the future, follow the tips presented in this article.