Tooth Decay Prevention: 8 Daily Dental Care Tips

Dentists are able to repair, replace and save damaged teeth and they can advise on how to prevent further damage. However, most of the responsibility for caring for your teeth, and your children’s, lies with you.

The good news is that working as a team with your dentist increases the chances of you all keeping your teeth for a long time, and avoiding the nasty consequences poor oral health can have on your (and their) general health.

8 Dental Care Tips to Help Save Your Teeth

Oral Hygiene

One of the most basic and effective ways of preventing tooth decay is by consistently following a good oral health program which involves brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, and flossing between them once a day.

Be Observant

While brushing and flossing, keep your eyes open for any changes in your mouth like swelling, bleeding or sensitive gums, and any lumps in the walls of your mouth that don’t go away. If you are concerned or uncomfortable, contact the dentist right away.

Use Fluoride

Choose toothpaste (and drink water) that contains fluoride. This mineral remineralizes and strengthens tooth enamel in its fight against the acids released by bacteria as they feed on the starches and sugars left in your mouth after a meal. And by remineralizing it, it may even reverse any acid damage by patching small holes before they lead to tooth decay.

Watch What You Eat (And Drink)

Acidic or sugary foods are the worst enemies of oral health and tooth enamel , and the best friends of destructive bacteria. By feeding these bacteria, acid and sugar put them in line to win the battle with tooth enamel. Avoiding these foods or drinks is best, but rinsing your mouth with water about 30 minutes after you consumed them, can help prevent damage at a pinch.

Consider upping your intake of Vitamin C and D, and including lots of dark green leafy vegetables to add calcium and reduce the acids. Studies show that biting down on xylitol-sweetened chewing gum may also temporarily retard the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Be careful how you use your teeth

They are not scissors, pliers or bottle openers. Instead, they are there to bite or chew, depending on their position in the mouth. Using them as tools could damage the enamel, so increasing the chances of tooth decay.

Cut Out Bad Habits

Try to kick those bad habits which can damage your teeth. These include nail biting, which can chip or damage your teeth, as well as smoking and tobacco use which can be the root cause of a number of problems including discoloration, loss of taste, receding gums, tooth loss, and even oral cancer.

ProtectYour Teeth

If you grind your teeth, play contact sport, or are involved in activities which might injure or damage your teeth, change their alignment, or harm the joint where your jaw meets your skull, a mouth or gum guard could protect your teeth

No mater how hard you try to keep you teeth healthy on your own, going it alone has its drawbacks. Regular dental check-ups at six monthly intervals are important, as your dentist has the tools and experience to detect problems you may have missed when it’s early enough to take the required action to bring about the best outcome.