December 13, 2018
The second most common disease in America is tooth decay. One in four adults has cavities and unfortunately doesn’t treat this issue. As for teens, more than half of the population has had cavities. Needless to say, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are five easy ways to prevent cavities.
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Find out your risk level. The best way to determine your risk of developing cavities is by having a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will be able to tell you your chances of developing cavities and which treatments will be best for you. They can also suggest changes in oral hygiene and in your diet that will help decrease the risk. Dental exams are quite beneficial, as they will also determine how often you will need to visit.
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Brush, brush, brush. It’s no secret that brushing your teeth is beneficial to good oral hygiene. Tooth decay is caused by the microbes in our mouths feeding on sugars in the food and drinks we consume and leaving waste behind in the form of dental plaque. The plaque permits the bacteria to stay in your teeth longer than usual. Acids have then created that wear down tooth enamel and create cavities. Brush after meals and before you go to bed and don’t be afraid to use an antimicrobial mouthwash after each brushing.
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Drink more water. Your risk of cavities increases with the excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and soda. Coffee especially, since most of us add sugar, milk, and syrups to make the drink even sweeter. Drink water in between sugary drinks to prevent saliva from becoming overly sugary and damaging your teeth. It is also better to drink sugary drinks through a straw to help keep the liquids off of your teeth and out of your saliva. Water with fluoride is a great drink to consume to help prevent cavities. Staying hydrated is important; it helps our body create nutrients, get rid of waste, provide a healthy glow for our skin, and assist muscles in moving.
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Don’t forget to floss. Many overlook this step, deeming it as unnecessary when cleaning your teeth. The fact of the matter is our teeth have five sides; brushing only cleans three sides, so you’re missing about half of your teeth by not flossing. Flossing is simple and takes very little time to complete. It is recommended to do this after a meal and before bed, but you can do this while on-the-go as well.
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Say goodbye to tobacco products. Smoking can stain your teeth and can also lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.