Knowing how to avoid cavities will go a long way in ensuring that you don’t require a filling in the future. Cavities are bad for your dental health, as we all know. But, first and foremost, what creates cavities? Knowing what causes cavities and how to prevent it will help you in avoiding them before it will get worst.
What causes cavities?
Cavities or tooth decay are caused by several reasons. These include germs in the mouth or frequent eating. Or it can be drinking sugary beverages, and not brushing your teeth regularly.
What will you do to avoid cavities and possible dental problems?
Find out how much of a risk you are for cavities.
Recognizing your cavity overall risk is the first part of taking control of your dental health. A full dental checkup is the best way to find out. They know the appropriate treatments for your teeth. And can tell modifications in dental hygiene and nutrition may be beneficial.
You may then adopt a more targeted, effective strategy to improve your dental health. Especially if you will discover your risk level. Once you know your cavity risk level, you can calculate how often you should visit the dentist. The smaller your risk, the fewer dental appointments you should have.
During routine dental exams, ask your dentist about your risk level and discuss it well.
Brush your teeth regularly, appropriately, and with the proper toothbrush.
This is the clearest piece of advice. But first, let us unleash why it’s so critical for your dental health. Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest, yet most effective ways to prevent cavities.
Brush your teeth after each meal and before going to bed. Brushing before bed is crucial since allowing germs to remain on your teeth overnight might cause enamel erosion. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash also aids in the removal of microorganisms.
Not only that, but it can also refresh the breath. Want to boost your bacteria-fighting capabilities throughout the day? Brushing your teeth after lunch is a good idea. If possible, leave a small toothbrush and paste kit at work to bridge the gap between morning and night.
It’s undeniable that flossing is a chore that no one enjoys. Consider this: our teeth have five sides, and each one has to be cleaned regularly. We only clean three of those sides even though we brush every day.
Brushing alone will only clean around half of the surface of your teeth if you don’t floss. And keep in mind that flossing takes only a few minutes every day. So, how can you get into the practice of flossing?
Consider it a form of ‘multi-tasking,’ which we all like. Flossing while watching TV or reading a book in bed is a good idea. Flossing should be done just after a meal or right before night, much like cleaning your teeth.
Flossing, on the other hand, is easier and quicker since it can be done on the move. It’s no different than forming any other good habit: the key is to start simple and adhere to it.
Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic beverages and increase your water consumption.
Do you prefer a morning latte, a daily cup of coffee, or a steaming cup of tea? Be aware that long-term contact with acidic coffee or tea can raise your risk of developing new cavities. Take a sip of your coffee and relax!
However, limit yourself to twenty minutes or less, and then rinse your mouth with water. There are many problems with drinking coffee that contains cavity-causing additives. because the sugar lingers in your mouth for a long time.
To combat this, drink enough water and other beverages. It can help rinse your mouth and prevent your saliva from getting too much sugar. Also, sipping coffee using a straw keeps sweet drinks off your teeth or out of your saliva.
Water is unlike any other beverage, and it is by far the healthiest choice. Remember, our bodies contain 60% water. So, being hydrated aids in the distribution of healthy nutrients. And it’s visible through your healthy, shiny skin. Drinking water is beneficial to your tooth health as well.
Acidic meals such as fruits, soft drinks, and other acidic foods can erode your teeth over time. To preserve your teeth healthy and strong for longer, limit your intake of high-acid meals.
Here are a few foods to consume in moderation:
Grains
Coffee
Sweeteners and sugar
Foods that have been processed
Fruits and liquids, particularly citrus fruits and juices
Corn oil is a kind of vegetable oil that comes from Mayonnaise, vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard are examples of condiments.
If you brush shortly after eating sugary or acidic meals, you’ll assist to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Minimize or at least stop smoking.
Smoking causes illness and suffering in every organ of your body. According to recent research, over 16 million Americans suffer from a smoking-related ailment. Most individuals are unaware of the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco. Smoking may cause more than stains on your teeth. As a reminder, it can also cause gum disease, loss of teeth, and even oral cancer.
Cavity prevention is simple if you follow a daily oral hygiene program that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing. You should also see a dentist regularly, preferably twice a year. Professional cleanings will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth in a more thorough manner than you can do at home.
Understanding what causes cavities is the very first step in maintaining healthy oral health. You can keep your teeth and gum healthy by taking precautions to avoid cavities. Consult with your dentist about ways to protect your dental health and avoid cavities.