How to Prevent Tooth Decay
We learned it all when we were just kids, but now that we’re adults, we seem to have fallen into bad habits. And by now, we may have forgotten some of the good habits we should be cultivating in order to prevent tooth decay. We revisit these important life-lessons, starting with the obvious and moving on to the not so obvious strategies that will help us to keep our teeth healthy.
In addition, you’ll discover some tooth decay preventing advances that most adults aren’t even aware of. Read on to get all the info from the basic to the cutting-edge scientific.
Brush and Floss
It’s obvious, isn’t it? Well, you may be surprised at how many people are getting filings, or even losing teeth simply because they’ve neglected these basics. Flossing, it seems, is particularly unpopular, but it doesn’t hurt, takes very little time, and cleans out the debris that can start tooth decay.
As for brushing, many people are cutting corners, either brushing less than the recommended twice-daily routine, or failing to brush properly. So, begin with the basics: brushing and flossing, and you’re already on the road to healthier, decay-free teeth.
Regular Dental Appointments
As any dentist will tell you, you get tooth decay that’s easily mended, and major tooth decay that can even end in root canal treatments or, worse still, extractions.
Apart from picking tooth decay up early, dentists also help you to prevent tooth decay by setting up oral hygienist appointments that get rid of tartar build-up on your teeth that regular brushing and flossing can’t deal with. Fluoride treatments, particularly for children, should be administered by a dentist – and they definitely help to keep tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Cut Out or Limit Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth, it could well end up in a sweet toothless! Sugars offer the ideal environment for tooth decay inducing bacteria to grow and thrive. It’s not how much sugar you eat at a sitting, but rather how often you consume sugary food and drinks that is the deciding factor.
So, cut out or limit the sweet treats, and if you have a habit of drinking sugary sodas, see if you can cut down on that too. They’re a major contributor to the tooth decay epidemic.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
It’s official! Chewing sugar-free gum is good for your dental health. While we don’t recommend gum as an alternative to tooth brushing, we are well aware of the way it can help to keep your teeth clean between brushings. Once you’ve finished your meal, sugar-free gum will help to clean up your teeth and freshen your breath, so ditch the sugary after-dinner mint, and go with chewing gum instead.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are relatively new to most people, and a lot of them aren’t even aware of this option. Here’s how it works. We all have fissures and cusps on our molars that are pretty hard to clean properly even if we’re careful with our oral hygiene.
Dental sealants can seal our teeth away from harm by bacteria, preventing tooth decay. And, yes, this solution has been scientifically proven and is highly recommended. Dental sealants are especially recommended for children getting their first permanent teeth, but they’re also great for adults with healthy teeth they’d like to protect from decay.
Join your Dentist in The Fight Against Tooth Decay
Contrary to popular belief, your RCDG dentist prefers you to cruise through your check-up without the need for any intervention. When your teeth are healthy, we feel great! After all, it’s our job to help you keep your oral health in tip-top shape. If you’d like more advice on tooth decay prevention, or have been letting your good habits slip, call us for an appointment. We’re here to help you keep your teeth healthy!
