Five Simple Tips to Avoid Cavities

December 29, 2021, Blue Turtle Dental

Dental cavities or tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease after the common cold. Every year, millions of people across the world suffer from painful and costly cavities. The sad thing is oral health is often overlooked by many. However, it's never too late to take control of your dental health and avoid unnecessary complications.

Now, while flossing and brushing are two of the most crucial daily practices for keeping your gums and teeth healthy, there are a few other things you can do to keep cavities and, worse, tooth loss at bay.

Below are five things your Palo Alto dentist is likely to recommend to avoid cavities. 

1. Know your cavity risk level

Knowing your cavity risk level is the initial step in taking charge of your dental health. A comprehensive dental exam from a top dentist in Palo Alto, will suffice in determining your risk level. You'll know which treatment may be needed and what changes in diet and oral hygiene may be required. Once you are sure of your risk level, it's easy to adopt a more targeted, effective approach to better your oral health.

Another benefit of identifying your cavity risk level is that it will help determine how frequently you need dental visits.

2. Brush your teeth regularly and with the right brush

This is the most obvious advice, and you've probably been hearing it since you were young. But first, let's see why brushing is important for your oral and general health.

Did you know that your mouth is home to billions of bacteria that recycle everything you eat and drink?

The bacteria that’s the biggest culprit of developing cavities is Streptococcus Mutans. These bacteria combine with foods and drinks to create a sticky film called plaque. The plaque allows recyclers to linger on your teeth for longer, eventually producing acids that wear down the tooth enamel and create cavities.

If left untreated, the disease process, which can begin with bacteria in the mouth, can move to other body parts, which can complicate chronic illnesses ranging from heart disease to diabetes. 

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest yet most effective strategies to prevent cavities due to the significant bacteria and plaque-fighting power it delivers in just a few minutes every day.
Advisably, brush your teeth after meals and before going to bed. Brushing before bed is highly encouraged, as allowing bacteria to linger on your teeth overnight can lead to the accumulation of enamel-damaging acid (ultimately leading to cavities).

Proper brushing techniques 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following tips when brushing your teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth (it minimizes the risk of gingival injury)
• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Gently brush back and forth in short strokes. Don't also forget to brush the chewing surfaces.
• Use the brush tip to clean the inside parts of the front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

3. Make flossing a habit

Our teeth have five sides, and every side requires regular cleaning. But even if we brush daily and accurately, we can only clean three of those sides. The other two sides of your teeth can be cleaned with the help of flossing.

So, how do you make flossing a habit? Consider it a form of "multi-tasking." For example, try flossing while watching TV. Or even while on the go. But ideally, you should floss after every meal or before bedtime.

4. Reduce the acid and sugar in your diet

Highly acidic and sugary foods provide fuel for bacteria. The biggest culprits are:

• Sports drinks
• Sodas
• Fruit juices – Although people tend to consider juice a healthy option, juices are just as acidic and sugary as most sodas.

Instead, opt for a diet that contains fiber and whole foods, for example, leafy green vegetables and fruits. Snacking between meals also raises your cavity risk as it offers a constant stream of food for bacteria.  

5. Have dental sealants placed

Although flossing, mouthwash, and brushing can help prevent tooth decay, sealants can help those who find it hard to reach all parts of their mouth.

Generally, a sealant is a protective coating applied on top of the tooth.  Commonly seen in school-aged kids, sealants are the best option to protect molars from getting infected or decaying. 

• Application - Applying sealants takes little time and causes no pain. The dentist, after teeth cleaning, will dry and apply the sealant on every tooth.
• Time frame - Sealants can last many years, especially when applied by the best family dentist in Palo Alto. But, it is crucial to plan routine checkups to ensure they are in perfect condition.

Bottom line

Taking good care of your oral health provides you with a better chance of avoiding cavities. Whenever you detect any dental cavity-related symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a dentist who offers quality dental treatment in Palo Alto. A good dentist will provide tailored treatments and recommendations to keep your mouth cavity-free.

Comments