Top Strategies for Prevention of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay affects nearly 90% of adults. That’s a staggering number of people with cavities and other issues. But, the good news is that this is helping more people than ever before keep their own teeth into old age. The simple truth is that dental technology is improving rapidly, allowing dentists to save teeth instead of removing them. Of course, prevention is always better than cure. That’s why you should adhere to the following strategies to prevent tooth decay.

What Is Tooth Decay

The majority of the foods you eat contain sugar, it’s in almost everything. This sugar reacts with the bacteria already present in your mouth and creates a sticky white substance, known as plaque. The plaque sticks to your teeth, bacteria in the plaque mix with the sugars to create acid. This acid attacks the hard enamel coating on your teeth. When the enamel is damaged the bacteria get into the tooth, causing damage and decay. That’s tooth decay and you’ll want a good dentist to clean the cavity and fill it before worse damage occurs.  

Preventing Tooth Decay

The first step is to locate a reputable dentist, such as this Little Bay Invisalign specialist. Having your own dentist means you can have regular check-ups. They will spot any issues and help you to resolve them before they become a bigger problem. It’s best to have a check-up once or twice a year unless your dentist says differently. Of course, there are several other things you can do to help prevent tooth decay.

• Brush Daily

One of the most important things you can do is simply brush your teeth every morning and evening. You should brush for at least two minutes with toothpaste and avoid using too much pressure. Brushing too hard can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause receding gums. Try to hold the toothbrush with one finger and your thumb.

• Avoid Sugary Drinks & Food

Sugar is in most of the food you eat. It’s also present in soda and many other soft drinks. You need to be aware of how much sugar is in different foods and drinks and then avoid those that have an excessive amount. Eating less sugar doesn’t just help to prevent tooth decay, it will also help you avoid weight gain.

• Chew Gum

Saliva is very important as it balances your mouth and washes debris and bacteria away. If you suffer from dry mouth, which’s low production of saliva, you should chew sugar-free gum. This will help to maximize your saliva level and ensure your teeth are protected.

• Skip The Snacks

It’s also important to stop snacking throughout the day. Every time you snack you increase the amount of sugar in your diet, which is bad for your teeth and your health.  

Bottom Line

It’s possible you have genes that make you more susceptible to tooth decay. However, this doesn’t mean you’re going to suffer. You simply need to take the preventative steps seriously. Adhering to them daily will help you to keep your own teeth into old age.