Cavities are the most common dental issue, but the good news is that they are avoidable with the correct habits. While regular checkup visits with a dentist in Grande Prairie are important, your everyday habits are equally as crucial. A few simple steps you implement at home can help your smile stay healthy and away from the frustrations of tooth decay.
In the following passage, I will show you five easy and effective ways to care for your teeth in between visits.
1. Brush the Right Way, Not Just Every Day
Brush your teeth twice a day, but it is not only the frequency you must be aware of—it is also the type of brushing. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and covering all surfaces of your teeth (the backs of molars are where plaque likes to hide) has excellent cavity prevention qualities. Be sure to angle the brush towards your gumline so you can also gently scrub particles of food and bacteria away.
A lot of people are in a hurry to brush their teeth, and that is understandable. I encourage you to take your time—think of brushing your teeth as showering your teeth—and they will appreciate it later.
2. Know How to Reduce Plaque Buildup
Dental plaque is the soft, sticky film that develops on your teeth after you eat. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. You want to keep plaque from forming in the first place. While brushing and flossing at least once a day is the strongest defence, rinsing your mouth with water after snacks and meals is also important to wash away leftover sugars and acids.
Chewing sugar-free gum can be another tool that is very easy to use—it gets your saliva flowing, which helps fight plaque. Saliva also helps rinse away food debris and neutralizes damaging acids in your mouth. Keeping a pack of sugar-free gum available can give you that extra measure of protection when you can’t brush your teeth after meals.
3. Choose the Best Foods for Dental Health
What you eat is one of the biggest influences on tooth decay. Foods that are crunchy to eat, such as apples, carrots, and celery, help clean the surfaces of the teeth as you chew. Dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt contain calcium and phosphate, which strengthen the enamel on your teeth.
Sugary snacks, sodas and sticky candy create a perfect environment for cavities. Reducing sugary snacks and drinks will make your teeth last longer. Try some nuts or a piece of fruit instead of sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth more healthily.
4. Practice Flossing Techniques for Cavity Prevention
Even with the best toothbrushes sweeping across your teeth, your toothbrush will not reach the space between your teeth. This is when flossing is important. Flossing only works when done with the proper technique. Use an up-and-down motion to guide the floss between the teeth gently. Once the floss makes contact with one of the teeth, gently curve the floss into a “C” shape around one of the teeth and slide it up and down against one of the teeth. Repeat the same steps for every space in between teeth and ensure you are using a clean piece of floss at every space and insertion.
Cleaning between your teeth daily will remove food particles and plaque that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Flossing may seem like a small amount of time spent cleaning your teeth, but it is likely one of the most effective tools you can use to protect your teeth from decay.
5. Don’t Skip Fluoride Toothpaste Benefits
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens enamel, allowing it to better withstand the acid attacks from bacteria that can damage teeth. Using Fluoride toothpaste daily allows the fluoride to work, giving you a fighting chance in repairing early signs of tooth decay before they turn into cavities. A simple daily step to take care of your teeth that can pay big dividends over time.
If you are unsure if your toothpaste has fluoride in it, just check the label. You will be impressively surprised at the difference a simple change will make for your dental health over time.
Keep Your Smile Strong with Swanavon Dental Clinic
Preventive care at home will help prevent cavities, but you can also count on your community in the form of professional care. Your Swanavon Dental Clinic team is here for your routine exams and cleanings, and advice to keep your smile healthy for many years.
If you have been putting off care, now is an excellent time to book your next visit. It’s time to keep your teeth strong, bright, and cavity-free with us.
Ready to have a healthier mouth? Call Swanavon Dental Clinic and get one step closer to having a smile you can be confident in!
