8 Simple Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Oral health is critical in both adults and children because oral health issues - such as tooth decay, gum diseases, and cavities - can affect anyone. For this reason, you need to see an experienced dentist regularly for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental issues.

Tooth decay is one of the prevalent problems, but you can easily prevent it by adopting effective oral health practices. Below are the top tips to curb tooth decay.

1. Use Fluoride-Based Products

You should always use a fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride weakens the acids produced by plaque and strengthens the weak spots on the enamel. This means that the microbe will not get a chance to destroy the enamel.

Fluoride treatments offer another option for people who don't obtain enough fluoride from water or toothpaste. Fluoride can be applied to the teeth with a brush, fluoride trays, or in the form of mouthwash.

Mouthwash products destroy any remaining bacteria in your teeth or tongue. The fluoride levels are usually higher in the mouthwash than that in a fluoridated toothpaste.

2. Brush After All Mealtimes

Bacteria that exist in the mouth digest food debris into acids. Failure to brush your teeth leads to the formation of plaque, multiplication of bacteria, and accumulation of acid that erode the enamel.

Therefore, you should brush your teeth after meal to get rid of the microbes and food debris. If you have a busy schedule, you need to brush at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums, and change your brush every three months.

3. Floss Your Teeth

Not all food debris can be removed by the toothbrush. Small particles tend to stick in between teeth, and thus you should floss to get rid of them.

4. Limit Consumption of Sugary Snacks

Sugary snacks provide favorable conditions for the multiplication of bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, you need to limit the intake of sugary snacks to prevent an attack on the enamel by bacteria. Instead of sugary snacks, eat more fruits and vegetables.

You should also avoid snacking between meals to reduce bacteria formation. You should also drink water regularly, and offer your kids water in place of sugary juices.

5. Limit Starch Intake

Starch or carbohydrate foods are first broken down in the mouth by saliva. Amylase enzyme in the saliva converts starch into sugar, specifically glucose, which lead to plaque formation. This means that starch creates an acidic environment in the mouth. Hence, the consumption of a lot of carbohydrates could contribute to tooth decay.

6. Use Tooth Sealants

If you experience recurrent tooth decay problems, you can use tooth sealants. These are plastic sealants that coat the teeth surfaces and prevent your teeth from coming into direct contact with food. Anyone can use tooth sealants, but they are mostly used by school-aged children.

7. Consider Antibacterial Treatments

Since a film of bacteria produces the acid that erodes tooth enamel, you can prevent tooth decay if you eliminate the bacteria. Your dentist could recommend antibacterial treatments that are specific to the plaque on your teeth. Therefore, these treatments do not interfere with useful mouth bacteria.

8. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

You should visit your dentist regularly for examination to curb oral problems at an early stage. If you have not noticed any signs of oral health issues, you should go for teeth cleaning and check-up twice a year.

Proper dental hygienic habits can prevent tooth decay. You need reliable dental care services to prevent, detect, and treat oral health problems. At Joseph M. Perry, D.D.S., P.A., we offer exceptional services tailored to your personalized needs. Contact us and schedule an appointment for quality oral health services.