3 Dentist-Recommended Ways to Prevent Cavities
You should visit your dentist regularly even if you are afraid. He or she can help identify problems such as dental cavities before they become serious. Dental cavities can result in you losing your teeth. Symptoms include toothaches, tooth sensitivity, holes in your teeth, stained teeth and pain when you bite down. A cavity progresses in three stages. Plaque forms on your tooth then attack the tooth. Plaque continues to damage your tooth and reaches the inner part of your tooth, which can be very painful. Here are three great dentist-recommended ways to prevent tooth cavities.
1. Brush and floss. Your dentist recommends brushing your teeth after every meal. You can consult your dentist on the best toothpaste for your children. Brushing before going to bed is especially important. When the bacteria are left on your teeth overnight, they feed and form plaque. To brush your teeth properly, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in short strokes. Ensure that you clean all surfaces of the tooth. Make a point to floss regularly to remove food particles lodged between your teeth, as they can cause damage to the tooth that is invisible until its too late.
2. Healthy Snacks To keep your teeth healthy, avoid sugary snacks as well as acidic beverages. Your dentist will tell you that these can cause damage to your tooth enamel. This is because you do not have time to brush your teeth after every latte or sweet you have. Try drinking more water, especially tap water, which contains fluoride. Drink water after coffee, tea or soda as it helps clean out tooth-damaging sugars. Instead of sugary snacks, eat carrots, celery, cheese or apples. These are not only good for your teeth but also for your overall health.
3. Mouthwash and Sugar-Free Gum Mouthwash and sugar-free gum are great ways to keep your teeth clean on the go. You most probably do not have time to brush your teeth after every meal or snack during the day. Using mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum can help rid your teeth of bacteria and food particles. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste to use regularly.
Ensure you see your dentist at least once a year. He or she can recommend ways to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth diseases. This will also help prevent other problems.