On each trip to the dentist, you may be wondering if you have any cavities. Often, it can come as a surprise, and then you have to deal with the consequences. However, you can also do things to prevent cavities from forming so it doesn’t need to be a concern anymore.
Limit Sugary Foods
Cavities can form when bacteria in your mouth digest sugar and release acid. This acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and this is what causes cavities. The more sugar you eat, the more the bacteria in your mouth have to consume. In addition to feeding the bacteria already present, sugar can also attract bad bacteria that cause other dental issues such as gingivitis. Cutting sugar completely from your diet is difficult and a little unreasonable. Instead, it’s helpful to simply cut back on your intake.
Make Sure Your Toothbrush is Effective
Brushing your teeth is the most effective way to prevent cavities and many other dental issues. When you brush your teeth, you’re scrubbing away bacteria and microbes that produce the acid that harms your enamel. You should be brushing your teeth after meals and before you go to bed at night. Not brushing your teeth allows bacteria to linger on your teeth longer and produce more acid.
You need to make sure you have an effective toothbrush. Talk with your dentist about what will work best for you. Some people need to use soft-bristled brushes. Others work best with electric toothbrushes. To make sure your toothbrush is doing what it’s supposed to, you should replace it every three months. Additionally, you need to use the right toothpaste. The fluoride in toothpaste helps bond calcium and phosphate to create stronger enamel. With the right tools, you can protect your teeth.
Cut Back on Snacks
If you snack throughout the day, you only increase the amount of acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. This means your mouth is constantly battling this acid and your enamel is at risk. In order to prevent cavities, it’s best to cut back on the number of snacks you have throughout the day. After you brush your teeth, give yourself plenty of time before eating again so your enamel gets a break.
Cavities can cause tooth pain and they are hard to deal with. The deeper they are, the more likely they’ll need to be drilled and filled. It’s better to find ways to prevent them so you don’t have to deal with the headache of treating them.
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