3 Tips to Keep Cavities Away
Having a healthy smile is important, and you should always take the proper precautions to maintain it. The biggest threat to a healthy smile is the development of dental decay and cavities, which affect the overall health and wellness of an individual, and can also have an effect on their self-esteem, as well. To keep cavities away and maintain your healthy looking smile, follow these 3 simple tips below:
Follow a Daily Dental Cleaning Routine
To maintain a healthy smile, there are certain steps that are important to follow every day. It isn’t something that should be put off from day to day. Dental negligence leaves an opportunity for cavities to arise. A daily cleaning routine at home will prevent the development of cavities, and should include the following steps:
- Brush every day, twice a day– When brushing your teeth, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft bristled toothbrush, and wet it under the faucet. Brush along all of the sides of your teeth, and along the gum line. Brush gently in circular motions. If you brush too hard, you can cause trauma to the gums and enamel. Follow this routine every morning when you wake up, and before you to go sleep every night. It is especially important to brush your teeth before sleeping to keep bacteria from sitting on your teeth all night. Remember to take at least 2 minutes to thoroughly and properly clean all of the surfaces to prevent cavities.
- Floss daily– Floss at least once daily to help dislodge any food or bacteria that is stuck in between your teeth. Pay close attention to floss between every tooth, especially the molars. There are many different floss options to choose from. You can use a waxed string floss, or individual flossers.
- Use a mouthwash- After you are done brushing and flossing your teeth, swish around some mouthwash to help further clean your teeth. There are many great different mouthwashes out there to choose from, and they are all great for reducing bacteria, strengthening enamel and giving your mouth that overall clean feeling. Be sure to swish the mouth wash between your teeth, and spit all of the liquid out when finished. It is recommended to swish the mouthwash around for at least 30 seconds to a minute each time.
Eat a Healthy Diet
To have a healthy, cavity-free smile, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can never have sugary or starchy foods to enjoy from time to time, it just means that you should be more conscientious about following your daily cleaning routine to keep your mouth healthy. Starchy and especially sugary foods and drinks should be consumed on a limited basis. Try and eat a diet that is filled with more healthy, fresh foods rich in minerals, proteins and vitamins so your teeth can stay strong, and resilient against decay.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Twice per year, you should be visiting your dentist to receive thorough cleanings, x-rays and examinations. Over time, plaque can build up on teeth, requiring them to be cleaned professionally. Plaque buildup can grow more or less, depending on the frequency of a daily cleaning routine, regular diet, and a person’s genetics. The dentist will be able to use x-rays, and thorough examination to see if there is a possibility of decay forming, or to check for any problems that may affect the health of your teeth. If a cavity is present, then your dentist will be able to clean and repair the tooth.
If you would like more information about keeping cavities at bay, or to schedule your next dental examination in Brigham City, please feel free to call Jenson Dental at: (435) 538-2500.
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