While many patients struggle with the idea of visiting the dentist, regular appointments aren’t so bad when your teeth are properly cared for. With the right habits and a thorough oral hygiene routine, you could make your dental appointments much easier. However, aside from making dental visits easier, proper oral care will protect your teeth from tooth decay, which can lead to a number of additional oral health issues. Avoiding tooth decay can be easy, as long as patients avoid harmful habits, such as poor dental hygiene and sugary foods.
With the right information and a little effort, you can easily protect your teeth from decay. In opposition, though, cavities can just as easily form when teeth are neglected. So, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the causes of tooth decay and exactly how you can prevent it.
What Factors Cause Tooth Decay?
Quite frankly, there are countless factors that contribute to tooth decay. First on the list is a lack of oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing are absolutely essential in preventing cavities and maintaining healthy gums. Every patient should brush and floss twice a day, and even brush after meals. Brushing removes bacteria and food debris from the surfaces of your teeth, while flossing reaches in between the gaps. Otherwise, the sugars from the foods and drinks you consume feed bacteria in your mouth, creating enamel-destroying plaque. Take a look below to see what kind of foods and beverages harm tooth enamel (which works to protects your teeth from decay):
- Citrus Fruits
- Sports Drinks
- Soda
- Sour Candy
- Vinegar
- Sticky Foods
- Starchy Foods
Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid all the foods and beverages listed above, but consuming them in moderation is key in preventing tooth decay. On top of staying away from these harmful factors, patients should maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.
Fighting Decay: A Regular Routine & Checkups
As mentioned, the key to avoiding tooth decay lies within great dental hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing are crucial tasks in keeping teeth clean and cavity free. However, braces and orthodontic appliances can cause some difficulty in these tasks for patients, but there are a few tools you can use to compensate:
- Use proxy brushes to clean between brace brackets and under wires. Proxy brushes are shaped like Christmas trees and can be purchased in most stores.
- Floss threaders are a great option for retainers and braces, as you can easily feed floss through appliances.
- Water flossers, great for patients with or without braces, are an effective alternative to regular flossing. They use a pressurized stream of water to wash out food debris and bacteria.
Avoid Tooth Decay, Contact Cyprus Family Dental
The last and most important step of maintaining healthy teeth is visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. At Cyprus Family Dental. Dr. Cantwell can assess your mouth, check for any underlying issues, and thoroughly clean your teeth. He can also give you advice and help on how to better your oral hygiene habits and prevent tooth decay.
Give Cyprus Family Dental a call today to schedule an appointment. You can contact us here or give us a call at 801.250.0203.