You should see your dental care provider every six months, but it would be nice to be able to avoid any surprise emergency visits. Be proactive with your oral health by taking preventative steps towards stopping cavities and tooth decay before they start.
Tips for Preventing Cavities
Brush with fluoride toothpaste after meals: You should be using a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal. The same goes for flossing. If you can’t brush after eating, at least try to rinse your mouth out with water.
Visit your dentist regularly: Professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams can’t be replicated at home, regardless of your oral care routine. Keeping on schedule helps you diagnose problem areas before they become major issues.
Drink tap water: You don’t have to all the time, but most tap water is infused with fluoride, which helps decrease tooth decay.
Rinse with fluoride: Are you seeing a pattern? A fluoride rinse is a fast and easy way to reach areas that can be hard to reach via other means of cleaning. It’s also a common recommendation for those who are at a high risk of developing cavities.
Avoid grazing: The constant snacking and sipping of beverages other than water makes teeth cleaning between meals all but impossible and helps mouth bacteria develop acids that can break down tooth enamel.
Know what you’re eating: There are certain foods and drinks that are better for you than others. Fresh fruits and veggies are good as they can increase saliva flow. Tea, sugar-free gum, and unsweetened coffee can help wash away food particles. But try your best to avoid foods that get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth. Those are already danger areas even without food particles being stuck in them for a prolonged period of time.
Ask about dental sealants: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all school-age children receive sealants, which are protective plastic coatings that are applied to the back teeth. They seal off the grooves in chewing areas that often collect food, and can last up to ten years before they need to be replaced.
Ask about antibacterial treatments: If you’re particularly prone to dental problems, like due to a specific medical condition, talk to your dentist about mouth rinses and other treatments that are antibacterial.
As is always the case with your health, being proactive is the key. Stay on top of your oral health, and if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at Pro Health Dental.
