Cavities are the bane of many people’s existence. These decayed areas lead to more severe issues, such as pain and infections. Getting cavities is not a fun experience, and you may need to visit your chosen dentist multiple times in order to address cavities if you don’t care for your teeth.
With that said, there are a number of ways you can prevent your teeth from decaying. Dentists from Saint Mark Dental recommend the following tips below.
1. Avoid Eating Sticky Snacks
Dentists don’t mean to say that you can’t eat sweets. Enjoying cookies, cakes, candies, and other desserts is fine, especially if you only have a bite or two and then move on to other meals.
Instead, you should avoid eating sticky and gummy snacks. These snacks, like gummy bears, can really stick to your teeth, and when combined with bacteria, they can lead to cavities. Eat slower and chew your foods more so that your saliva can help wash away the sugar and the bacteria.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated helps your teeth stay in good shape for many reasons. Not only does water wash away bacteria and food particles, but it can also wash away the acid in your mouth, which is produced by bacteria. When you are dehydrated, the acid can build up and cause more damage to your teeth.
You should drink plenty of water every day, and be sure to drink several glasses of water the next time you are eating foods high in sugar content.
3. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque and food particles that would otherwise cause decay. It would be best if you brushed your teeth at least twice a day, but it can be more helpful to brush more often.
However, you should also be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush whenever possible. These brushes can help you clean your teeth without hurting them.
4. Learn to Floss Properly
Most people struggle to learn how to floss. Either the waxed floss irritates the gums, or the string gets caught under your gum line. However, if you can remember how to floss properly, you can help prevent cavities from forming.
If you aren’t sure how to floss, speak with your dentist about how you should go about flossing. You may need to floss more often than you think, and it might be difficult for you to do this at home.
5. Visit the Dentist for Check-Ups and Cleanings
Maintaining a healthy smile involves more than just preventing cavities. Your dentist can help you spot issues affecting your teeth, such as gum disease, early signs of cavities, and more.
Just as important, your dentist can remove plaque and tartar, leading to gum disease and cavities if they are not addressed. If you are diligent about your dental health, visits to the dentist can help you avoid cavities and other issues.
Final Note
Cavities can be a painful, annoying and costly problem to deal with. However, you don’t have to live with these problems if you try to prevent them. Follow the above tips to keep your teeth healthy.
If you don’t have a regular dentist, consider booking an appointment with Saint Mark Dental. Our dentists in Medway can address all of your dental concerns. We can also recommend products and treatments to help you care for your teeth and prevent dental issues. Book an appointment today!
