Simple Things You Can Do To Prevent Dental Cavities
It’s better, easier, and cheaper to prevent dental cavities than to deal with them. So start taking care of your teeth by following these oral health tips.
When going to the dentist we cross our fingers and pray we do not need any dental work done. Not only is having drills and sharp objects in our mouths unpleasant but costly too.
Many dental problems can be prevented, including one of the most common: cavities.
Cavities are holes in the enamel (tough outer layer of the teeth). Debris and food can get caught in cavities to cause tooth pain and sensitivity.
Along with the pain, they will eventually need a filling to prevent further tooth degradation.
Consistent Tooth Routine To Prevent Dental Cavities
These common things may sound obvious but are easily overlooked. Here’s what to do to prevent dental cavities:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day.
- Be mindful of where you are brushing. Are you getting brushing your gums, tongue, and all sides of your teeth?
- A soft bristled electronic toothbrush is the most effective to rid teeth of plaque.
- Floss! Ask yourself; honestly, do you floss your teeth every day? Many of us don’t. Cavities are often found in-between the teeth, in areas that are missed with brushing alone. Make it a habit to floss before brushing. If you brush first you may feel your mouth is clean enough and get lazy and skip flossing.
Natural Alternatives To Fluoride
Fluoride is found in most kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes and works to prevent decay and re-mineralize teeth for healthy enamel.
For those looking to live a natural lifestyle, there are natural alternatives to fluoride treatment. Here are our favorites:
1. Coconut Oil
It works by slowing down the growth of bacteria in the mouth. A way to enjoy the benefits of coconut oil for oral health is “oil pulling”. This is the practice of swishing coconut oil around like a mouthwash.
2. Neem
This is an Indian medicinal herb that can reduce plaque in the mouth.
3. Ozonized Olive Oil
It has antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay and supports gum health.
Foods That Help Prevent Cavities
Maintaining a healthy diet does not only help with weight loss and as a preventive measure for illness and disease.
A healthy, balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables as opposed to processed food is directly linked to better oral health.
Like the rest of your body, your teeth need proper nutrition. Here is a list of foods beneficial for your teeth:
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is full of healthy bacteria and contains calcium and protein to help strengthen your enamel. (1)
2. Cheese
Eating cheese can slow tooth decay by creating saliva and raising the pH level in the mouth. (2)
3. Apples
This fruit has a high content of fiber and water. Eating an apple can help rinse your mouth out of bacteria. (3)
4. Almonds
These nuts contain calcium and protein to help strengthen your teeth.
5. Carrots
Raw carrots require a lot of chewing, which increases saliva production and has a similar effect to apples. (4)
Foods To Avoid For Both Dental And Overall Health
According to Dental Be, sugars react with bacteria in the mouth to create acid that erodes tooth enamel. Processed junk food sticks to the teeth and causes cavities.
Here are the most common foods to avoid to prevent dental cavities:
- Sugary drinks;
- Starchy foods (bread and potato chips);
- Sticky sweets.
For some, it is impractical to completely avoid sweets and junk food. When indulging in snacks such as chips and sweets, make sure to wash them down with water to help keep the food debris from sitting on your teeth.
Also, make it a habit to carry a disposable toothbrush and dental flossers with you. This way, you can immediately free the mouth of cavity-causing debris.
Regular Tooth Cleanings
Going to the dentist is something many of us dread, to the point we only muster up the courage to go when we feel pain.
Dental cleanings are an important preventative measure to prevent more intrusive dental interventions.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can be missed. Plaque hardens into a cavity-causing material called calculus, which cannot be removed from brushing.
Only a dental hygienist can remove calculus (also known as tartar) with professional cleaning.
For more information on tooth cleanings and their importance in preventative dentistry, consult your dentist or visit Elleven Dental.
With a healthy diet and persistent oral hygiene routine, you can prevent the need for fillings and further oral health problems. Prevention is always better than cure!
