Five Simple Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Do you ever stop and think about how your diet and lifestyle choices can contribute to tooth decay? The foods you eat, your favourite drinks and certain habits can have negative effects on your overall oral health. Tooth decay can lead to cavities, and when these are left untreated can lead to a painful abscess.

Making some small and simple changes in your lifestyle can help prevent tooth decay – and it’s always easier, and a little nicer, to prevent tooth decay than it is to treat cavities.

Brush Your Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste

We learn from an early age that brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is a simple way to prevent tooth decay, but as an adult it can be easy to forget. No matter how busy your daily schedule gets, brushing your teeth after eating is more important than any other commitments you may have.  Brush for at least two minutes a day, and always remember to floss.

Stay Hydrated

Having a dry mouth allows plaque and acids to build up in the mouth. Try to drink plenty of tap water that contains fluoride, to help rinse away the nasties that are hanging around after your last meal.

Limit Coffee, Soda and Alcohol Intake

Ingredients in certain liquids and foods can discolour the tooth’s surface and can deplete calcium. If you indulge in coffees to wake you in the morning, often crack open a cold can of soft drink, or enjoy a few glasses of wine in the evening, try and rinse your mouth with water to help prevent acid and plaque build-up. If your teeth are suffering, try and cut out some of these liquids to prevent from further decay.

Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods

Dark, leafy fruits and vegetables add calcium and reduce acids in the saliva. Try to avoid foods that will get stuck in your teeth for long periods of time, and try to avoid snacking. Eating sugary and processed foods do nothing to help prevent tooth decay.

Keep Up with Regular Dentist Visits

If you’re unsure about how to prevent tooth decay, or if you’re worried about tooth decay, it’s best to discuss this with your dentist. Regular check-ups, teeth cleanings and other treatments can help prevent tooth decay and can spot problems early on.

Preventing tooth decay starts at home. If you have any questions about how you can prevent tooth decay, ask your dentist for recommendations or get in touch with the team at Dental on Clarendon today.