If you want to avoid painful cavities in daily life and interruptions to your routine by having to visit your dentist for fillings, you need to follow this guide. These little things add up when it comes to preventing tooth decay:
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral that is proven to make your teeth more resistant to decay, and can even reverse existing tooth decay. You should always brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. Most major dental brands offer fluoridated toothpaste products. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, or ideally after every meal, with fluoridated toothpaste.
Fluoride Rinse
If you have a higher risk of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend the use of a fluoridated mouth rinse. Once again, most major brands offer some form of mouth rinse with added fluoride. Ask your dentist for recommendations if you are unsure.
Tap Water
Ottawa is one of the many cities in the world that adds fluoride to drinking water as a public health measure to match the recommended level for optimal dental care. Research indicates fluoridated tap water helps to reduce cavities by as much as 40% in citizens of all ages who drink the water.
Healthy Diet
Try to avoid foods that stick in your teeth, like chips and candy. Avoid beverages like soda and sugary fruit juice that contribute to tooth decay. Try not to eat raisins, caramel, or other sticky foods. So what can you eat? Fresh fruits and vegetables help your mouth produce saliva and wash away more harmful food particles. Carrots even “scrub” your teeth when you chew them. Even sugar-free gum helps.
Don’t Snack
Every time you eat, you are giving the bacteria in the mouth the “food” it needs to produce acids, which slowly wear down your tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay. If you drink and snack at numerous intervals throughout the day, this process basically never stops. Try sticking to planned meal times and don’t consume anything other than water through the rest of the day.
Regular Dental Appointments
Booking regular dental appointments serves two important roles. Professional teeth cleanings and regular dental exams will help prevent tooth decay problems from even developing in the first place. If a cavity does start to develop, your dentist can address the problem early before it grows into a bigger, more painful problem.
With all of these elements in mind, you are better armed to prevent tooth decay.
