How to Combat Decaying Teeth
We all know how important it is to take proper care of our teeth. The loss of a permanent tooth could wind up being an expensive problem to solve, so it’s best to do all we can to preserve the health of our natural teeth while we still have them. A large part of this preservation is preventing and combating decaying teeth, which if left unattended can lead to painful, and potentially expensive, cavities.
Below are some of the most important and effective actions you can take to prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthy smile.
Brush Regularly and Thoroughly
When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth, nothing could be more important than taking care to brush regularly and thoroughly – especially before going to bed. It’s also important to note that brushing alone only cleans about 25% of your mouth. For a deep clean, you should also make sure to floss and rinse with mouthwash daily. Mouthwash that contains fluoride and antiseptic ingredients to kill bacteria are recommended.
Top Up Your Fluoride
Wherever possible, it is preferred that your methods of oral hygiene contain fluoride. Everything from your toothpaste to your mouthwash to the water you drink and rinse with.
Fluoride is known to protect teeth from decay and cavities. It prevents mineral loss in your tooth enamel and replaces lost minerals, while also helping to reduce the amount of acid the bacteria in your mouth makes. All in all, adding fluoride to your brushing routine can only help.
Watch What You Eat
Your diet doesn’t only affect your body and your health, it also plays a large part in your oral hygiene – especially when it comes to the health of your teeth.
Carbohydrates such as candy and crisps, along with sugary foods and drinks, can be used to make acid in our mouths, which leads to tooth decay. Limiting the amount of snacks you eat in a day reduces the risk of acid developing and attacking your teeth.
If you’ve recently eaten or drank something sugary, remember to brush your teeth soon afterwards to clear the mouth of lingering sugar – and as much as possible, avoid consuming anything other than water after you have brushed your teeth at night. While saliva can help to fight off acid, it decreases while you sleep. Without saliva around to defend your teeth against acid, your teeth are more susceptible to damage.
Visit Your Dentist
Though you might not relish the thought of a visit to your dentist, it pays to not be a stranger. Routine check-ups and cleanings can help spot signs of decay early on, giving you time to remedy the situation before a cavity is formed.
Your dentist may also be able to offer you additional help, such as fluoride supplements to strengthen your teeth or dental sealants to protect your back teeth from decay.
If you’re overdue a visit to the dentist, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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