Cavities occur when the hard enamel layer of your tooth becomes decayed – which is why cavities are also known as tooth decay. Cavities may start out as small holes in the surface of your tooth, but can gradually become bigger when left untreated, leading to more serious issues down the road – such as a compromised tooth structure and gum disease.
This is why it is important to see your dentist in Geelong regularly in order to detect the presence of cavities early on. However, there are also some care tips that you can implement in your daily routine to prevent dental cavities from forming in the first place.
Here are five simple tips that you can use to prevent the formation of dental cavities.
1) Brush your teeth
You will definitely have heard this tip before, and that is because it is such an important one! Brushing your teeth twice daily is absolutely essential if you want to keep your teeth cavity-free. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time and for the best results, you need to be using the right toothbrush and brushing techniques.
It is recommended that you use a fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle so that your brush will come into contact with the tooth as well as the gums, allowing food debris and plaque to be thoroughly removed.
2) Floss your teeth
Many dentists find that their patients neglect to practice good flossing habits. Flossing is the best way to keep the areas between your teeth clean and free of debris, as dental floss can reach places that your toothbrush may miss. If this food debris is not removed, it will turn into plaque that binds with bacteria to produce acid and cause dental cavities.
There are many different types of dental floss available in the market, from string floss to flossing brushes and so on. Try to floss at least once a day – it may be difficult to pick up the habit at first, but you will get used to it with time!
3) Use mouthwash
Did you know that mouthwash contains antimicrobial ingredients that actively counter leftover food, germs, and even plaque while you rinse? Using mouthwash after meals or after brushing your teeth will help you maintain a cleaner mouth, fresher breath, and keep cavities away!
Most mouthwashes require you to swish a cap-full of mouthwash liquid around your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Still, be sure to read the label so that you know that you are using the mouthwash correctly. There are plenty of different mouthwash types available, so if you are not comfortable with a particular type of mouthwash (such as those with alcohol), you can always switch to another kind.
4) Avoid sugary food and drinks
Sugar is one of the main culprits behind rapid tooth decay. This is because the bacteria in your mouth will react with sugar to turn it into acid, which is bad for your teeth. Similarly, acidic drinks such as tea or coffee are also damaging to your tooth enamel.
Therefore, it will definitely be a healthy move to try and cut down on sugary food and drinks, as well as acidic drinks. You can also minimize the negative effects of sugar and acid by rinsing your mouth with water after drinking something sweet or acidic. Furthermore, make a conscious effort to drink more water as this habit can help keep your teeth healthier overall.
5) Visit the dentist regularly
Visit your dentist at least twice a year to better protect yourself against serious cavities. Your dentist is the best person to spot signs of tooth decay early on. Moreover, you should get routine teeth cleanings done at the dentist which can help prevent cavities by removing buildup on your teeth. Last but not least, if you are experiencing tooth pain or any form of dental emergency, you should always seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
Hopefully, these tips will be of some help to you in your efforts to keep cavities at bay. With the right dental care routine coupled with advice from your regular dentist, your teeth will thank you for keeping them in top condition!
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