Maintaining your oral health isn’t complicated, but it does require self-discipline. If you fail to establish good dental habits and avoid bad dental habits, it could lead to tooth decay. If left untreated, serious tooth decay can cause tooth loss. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, around 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth. Let’s look at a few things you should do to avoid tooth decay.
Visit the Dentist Offices Twice a Year
You need to have a dental visit and cleaning every six months. During these visits, you’ll receive a professional cleaning and examination. The examination will include an exam of the teeth and gums to identify any tooth decay or gum disease. You’ll also receive an oral cancer screening as well. Dental X-rays are also often done during these visits. Visiting the dentist twice a year is the foundation of good oral health.
Establish Good Daily Dental Habits
The next thing you should do to avoid tooth decay is to establish good daily dental habits. You need to be brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. You should also be flossing your teeth at least once a day. These habits help to remove bacteria and food particles from the mouth. If you fail to do this, bacteria will begin to grow and this will lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Avoid Sugar
Added sugar has no nutritional value for you. In addition to having no nutritional value, it also is a huge contributor to tooth decay. Sugar is a favorite food for bacteria. Bacteria is always present in your mouth, but it’s present in higher amounts after you eat. If you are eating sugary foods and drinks, bacteria growth increases. This increase in bacteria growth will start to eat away at the enamel of the teeth and the gum tissue. It’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks altogether. If you do have sugar, be sure to brush your teeth soon after.
Protect Your Teeth
You also need to protect your teeth from damage due to bad habits. Chewing on non-food items, crunching ice, or eating highly acidic foods can all contribute to a breakdown of tooth enamel. Avoid these habits to protect your teeth.
These are just a few tips on how to avoid tooth decay. If you’re looking for quality dentist offices, please contact Bright Side Dental today. We are here for your dental needs.