Practicing a regular oral health routine is important to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Your dental health journey starts with regularly visiting your local dentist to ensure you get the best dental treatment and up-to-date dental advice. But the work begins at home.
Follow these tips to help prevent cavities and keep your teeth and gums healthy:
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Brush Twice A Day
Simply brushing your teeth is the most basic way to prevent a cavity from forming. Brushing removes plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Unless removed, plaque can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes day and night.
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Daily Flossing
Flossing is another crucial part of daily dental care. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t floss regularly, you’re missing up to 35% of your tooth surfaces! Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
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Limit Sugary And Acidic Foods
Sugar and acid are the two main culprits when it comes to cavities and tooth decay. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produces acids that erode your tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks also weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Cut out, or at least limit, your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks such as soda, sports drinks, candy, and fruit juices.
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Drink Plenty Of Water
There is no better drink for your teeth and general health. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to cavities and bad breath. It also helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is essential for saliva production. Saliva is important because it helps neutralize acids in your mouth and remineralize your tooth enamel.
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Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that has formed from the plaque on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Your mouthwash should contain fluoride, which can help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities. However, mouthwash should never be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even with proper daily dental care, you should still have regular visits to your local dentist for check-ups and cleaning. Your dentist will often detect tooth decay and gum disease long before you do. This means that any problems can be treated immediately before they become more serious. Professional dental cleanings also remove plaque and tartar build-up that you can’t remove on your own.
Healthy Habits For Avoiding Cavities
In addition to the above tips, there are some other important things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene:
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer.
- When playing sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from injuries.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly every few months, or when the bristles are no longer standing up straight and start to look frayed.
Cavity Prevention And More In South Florida
Taking care of your teeth is essential for your overall health and well-being. It will keep your teeth healthy and strong. Maintain that dazzling smile by making an appointment with one of our dental specialists.
Eriks Dental Group is conveniently located in Boynton Beach, call us today at 561-733-4004 to schedule an appointment.