Dental decay is when tooth enamel and dentine develop cavities. It is often a result of poor oral care. Food particles combine with harmful bacteria, causing an acidic reaction. Over time, the acid will penetrate the tooth enamel and reach the inner tissues, resulting in decay. Without early intervention, you might lose your diseased or decayed tooth. While tooth decay is one of the most prevalent oral issues, it is highly preventable. The following complementary tips can help prevent dental decay and ensure optimal oral health.
Brush and Floss Daily
Good oral care is the most effective way of preventing dental decay. Brushing your teeth twice daily after meals helps remove lodged food debris and harmful bacteria. Use the appropriate dental hygiene products like fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth and inhibit enamel erosion. Also, floss your teeth at least once daily before brushing to clean the gaps between the teeth and gumline.
Avoid Sugary or Acidic Foods and Beverages
Sugary, starchy, and acidic foods are the main culprits of tooth decay. These foods and drinks expedite the acidic reaction in your mouth when food particles combine with cavity-causing bacteria. Limiting or avoiding these foods and beverages can reduce the likelihood of dental decay. If you must consume acidic foods, rinse your mouth with tap water and wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
Consider Getting Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin resin or ionomer coatings that cover the grooves and fissures in your back teeth. They help protect your premolars and molars from cavities by preventing food particles from accumulating in the grooves. Sealants also give the back teeth a smooth finish, making them easy to brush.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Booking regular appointments with a dentist can help detect cavities before they escalate and cause dental decay. A dental hygienist may perform professional cleaning to remove stubborn tartar deposits, ensuring your teeth remain cavity-free.
Contact Us Today
Dental decay can be detrimental to oral health. It can result in tooth loss and other oral problems. Fortunately, dental decay is highly preventable. Contact us for more tooth decay prevention tips.
Dental decay is when tooth enamel and dentine develop cavities. It is often a result of poor oral care. Food particles combine with harmful bacteria, causing an acidic reaction. Over time, the acid will penetrate the tooth enamel and reach the inner tissues, resulting in decay. Without early intervention, you might lose your diseased or decayed tooth. While tooth decay is one of the most prevalent oral issues, it is highly preventable. The following complementary tips can help prevent dental decay and ensure optimal oral health.