Oral health is as important as general health. The oral cavity ensures you can eat what you want to, speak without difficulty, and swallow food properly.
Achieving optimal oral health is easy when you know how to take care of your teeth to prevent the formation of cavities. In this blog, you’ll learn 10 ways to help prevent tooth decay and promote better oral health.
Cavities and Plaque
Two factors or causes that can affect the health of your teeth are cavities and plaque. Cavities result from a bacterial infection inside your mouth that eats off the enamel of your teeth. Naturally, good and bad bacteria living in the mouth can accumulate on teeth surfaces, especially after eating a meal.
Insufficient and improper tooth brushing can lead to bacteria creating plaque – a sticky film that adheres to your teeth. Neglecting to clean and brush your teeth can lead to plaque hardening and further progress into gum problems.
1. Brush Right Regularly
The simplest way to take care of your oral health is to brush your teeth regularly with the right method. Brush when you wake up in the morning and before you sleep at night. Tooth brushing should take two minutes, and you must know the proper method.
Start from the most posterior region for your molars, and brush in a circular motion. Then proceed with your front teeth, and don’t forget to brush their surfaces inside or the surfaces your tongue touches.
After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth with water. Only spit the remaining toothpaste. Doing this ensures the toothpaste stays on your teeth to protect and help maintain their strength.
2. Use A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush and Fluoridated Toothpaste
Several kinds of toothbrushes are available. Choose soft-bristled, as it is the safest and least damaging to your gums. Hard bristles can be painful to sensitive gums.
A fluoridated toothpaste is essential, as well. Fluoride keeps your teeth strong and protected. When looking for a toothpaste, check whether it has a fluoride content by looking at the packaging or behind the toothpaste tube.
3. Brush Your Tongue
Don’t neglect your tongue. Plaque can accumulate on its surface since it contains saliva and bacteria. Always brush your tongue gently, which can also help prevent bad breath.
4. Don’t Forget to Floss
When you eat, it’s normal for some food debris to go into the sides of your teeth. These areas are inaccessible by a toothbrush but are reachable by dental floss. Dental floss can remove food particles between your teeth to prevent these surfaces from decaying. It can help reduce the risk of plaque-forming and more serious gum problems.
5. Try Mouthwash
Using mouthwash can aid in maintaining your oral health while also preventing bad breath. Mouthwash is useful in balancing the bacteria inside your mouth, promoting a cleaner oral cavity.
6. Regular Dental Care
Visit your dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning at least once a year. Doing this ensures your teeth are regularly inspected for any problem you might not have observed on your own. Regular cleaning keeps your teeth healthy and strong.
7. Limit Sugar Intake
Sweet foods can lead to plaque and cavity formation. Bacteria love to feed on these foods, creating acids that affect the health of teeth. Limit your sugar intake, especially in between meals. Instead of sugar-rich foods, munch on fiber-rich snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables
8. Avoid Smoking
9. Use A Straw
If drinking sweet beverages cannot be avoided, ensure that you’re using a straw. Using a straw ensures the drink does not linger on the surfaces of your teeth, inflicting less damage.
10. Drink More Water
Water is the best drink for your oral health. It can help wash away the negative effects of eating sugar-rich foods and beverages.
Your Oral Health is Essential
Neglecting oral health has consequences. It can affect eating, self-confidence, and ultimately, overall health. If you need to seek dental care for treatment, Southshore Dental is here for you. We value your oral health and safety. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
