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Cavities are the most common oral health issue in children and adults of all ages. Over 90% of people in the US have had at least one cavity. So you may be wondering how you can prevent tooth decay and reduce your risk of developing a cavity. Find out in this blog from Shine Dental.
1. Maintain A Good Brushing & Flossing Routine
The single best way to reduce your risk of cavities is to maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine, and brush and floss regularly.
At a minimum, you should be brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night after your last meal of the day. You need to brush for at least two minutes, and clean each section of your mouth thoroughly, cleaning the fronts, tops, and backs of each tooth.
You also should floss once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles that can’t be eliminated with brushing alone. Rinsing with mouthwash is also very effective after flossing, since it helps wash away particles that were loosened during the flossing process.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste – There’s No Substitute!
Fluoride is not harmful. There’s no reason not to use it. And there’s no substitute for fluoride toothpaste when it comes to cavity prevention. Fluoride has the unique ability to attract minerals to your teeth, reversing the damage done by oral bacteria and acid and preventing cavities.
So avoid “organic” or “natural” toothpaste. They don’t have any health benefits. In fact, they’re worse than fluoride toothpaste in every way when it comes to preventing cavities.
3. Watch What You Eat & Avoid Sugary Beverages
Your diet has a major effect on the likelihood of developing cavities. Sugary and starchy foods like candy, chips, cookies and other desserts, ice cream, dried fruit and other such foods can contribute to cavities. To prevent tooth decay, eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugar.
This is particularly important when it comes to what you drink. You should avoid sugary beverages like sweetened tea and coffee, energy drinks, sports drinks, and soda. The sugar in these drinks is a major contributor to cavity formation.
4. Drink Plenty Of Tap Water
You should drink tap water instead of the aforementioned sugary drinks. Why? Well, tap water is obviously sugar-free, which is good, and drinking plenty of water helps you stay hydrated. This helps you produce the proper amount of saliva, which will help wash away food debris and prevent cavities.
Tap water also contains small amounts of fluoride, which helps strengthen your teeth. This is why it’s preferable to bottled water, which generally contains no fluoride.
5. Visit Your Dentist For A Checkup Every Six Months
Seeing a dentist for a teeth cleaning allows you to remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar from your teeth, which reduces your risk of cavities. You’ll also get an oral exam, and your dentist can check for any potential cavities or other oral health issues, giving you peace of mind.
Overdue For A Dental Visit? Come To Shine Dental Today!
Routine dental visits are essential for controlling the risk of developing cavities. So whether you’re new to the area, overdue for a visit, or just looking for a new dentist in Sunbury, come to Shine Dental today. Dr. Katelyn Miller is always accepting new patients, and we look forward to meeting you. Contact us online or give us a call at 740-936-3083 to get the preventive care you need in Sunbury.
