A good smile is the product of a well-developed dental hygiene plan. In other words, you can’t rock your smile to the fullest if you don’t take good care of your dentition. What that means is that your teeth need to be spotless to keep that smile on.
Tooth cavities, however, can be quite a hassle when trying to achieve that bright and untainted smile. Those cavities are the aftermath of tooth pain, and if care is not taken, they could lead to more serious issues like abscesses, gum diseases, and permanent tooth loss.
The good news is that tooth cavities are treatable and can also be easily avoided by adopting certain oral habits and routines.
8 Simple Steps to Follow to Avoid Getting Cavities
1. Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your teeth sounds like the easiest task in the world, but it's definitely the most effective means of preventing dental issues, including cavities. Brushing twice daily, especially at night, with a toothbrush that has soft bristles is highly recommended to prevent damage to the enamel. It’s also important to brush at night before bed because the teeth are more vulnerable during sleep.
2. Floss Daily
After brushing your teeth, you need to floss between them to get rid of food particles. This will prevent toothaches and ensure there’s no opportunity for plaque to build up and invite tooth decay.
3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing should be done using toothpaste rich in fluoride. It's a nutrient that takes care of the enamel, strengthening and re-mineralizing it to prevent the occurrence of tooth decay.
4. Stay Hydrated
Keeping the mouth clean and fresh takes top priority, and in addition to that, you should always take your water to cool off and rehydrate. Water helps to wash off food particles, prevents bacteria build-up, and prevents unwanted mouth odour.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Adding constant dental visits to your oral hygiene will ensure tooth decay doesn't happen anytime soon. Dentists at Arc Dental Surgery provide thorough inspections as well as professional guidance to help you prevent tooth cavities and other issues.
6. Cut Back on Foods and Drinks That Affect Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes, you may need to revisit your eating plans to see if you need to cut back on certain meals. For instance, if you’re vulnerable to tooth sensitivity, you should eat meals that are too cold, hot, or too sweet. It's most important to reduce or, better yet, avoid sugary foods or snacks to prevent the development of tooth cavities.
7. Consider A Dental Sealant
For those who are vulnerable to tooth cavities, dental sealants can serve as preventive measures. These sealants are plastic coatings for the chewing surfaces of the teeth and prevent the occurrence of cavities for years to come.
8. Embrace Antibacterial Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is beneficial for key reasons. Firstly, it gets to places where brushing and flossing can’t. Hence, it ensures thorough cleaning of the mouth. At the same time, it eliminates every trace of bacteria and prevents their growth, leading to a clean mouth without the risk of tooth decay.
Wrapping Up
No one wants tooth decay, but at the end of the day, it’s not based on what you want but rather the work that needs to be done. As long as you follow the tips above, your dentition should be just fine.