Blog

6 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Attending the dentist a few times a year is a great way to assess your dental health and address any potential issues. But you do not want to have to go to the dentist more than that; you want to make sure that your dental health is in tip-top shape. So, for this week, we will go over six different ways in which you can prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth feeling and looking great!

1. See Your Dentist Twice a Year

One of the most reliable ways to stay ahead of tooth decay is to have a professional, like Dr. Julie Liberman, take a close examination of your teeth. Paying a visit to your dentist once or twice a year will pay dividends. You might think that all you need to do is brush your teeth and floss, so what is the point in seeing your dentist? Well, your dentist can see things that you can’t and can also detect issues that may not fully present themselves for some time to come. Keep your teeth healthy, and see your dentist!

2. Brush After Every Meal

As we have all been told since we were children, brushing your teeth is one of the most reliable ways to prevent cavities and other complications. It is also important to brush with a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, as fluoride helps strengthen the enamel. A general rule of thumb is to brush thirty minutes after eating, as the enamel needs time to recover.

3. Rinse Your Teeth

Not only should you brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you should also use mouthwash to rinse out anything left over from the brushing. Like picking out toothpaste, you should pick out a mouthwash that has fluoride in it, as fluoride will help prevent cavities.

4. Cut Down on the Snacking

Like the rest of your body, your teeth also need time to rest; the enamel needs time to recover and strengthen. If you are eating and drinking all day, the teeth will be given no rest, which slowly but surely wears them down and increases tooth decay. You do not need to starve yourself, but definitely try to avoid sugary, sticky snacks, as those are particularly bad for your teeth.

5. Eat Healthy Food

Your body is not the only beneficiary of a healthy and well-balanced diet - your teeth will thank you too. There are many healthy foods out there, like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and fish, that provide vitamins and minerals that are vital to your dental health. These foods will help strengthen your teeth, brighten your smile, and make you feel great!

6. Consider an Anti-Bacterial Treatment

This is something that you will have to discuss with your dentist. Suppose you are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay. In that case, you may want to try an anti-bacterial treatment, as the anti-bacterial treatment will slow the buildup of bacteria, which, unchecked, will lead to cavities and other complications.