How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay?
The best and easiest way to prevent tooth decay and remove plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of the tooth. Brush your teeth twice each day with a soft-bristled brush. Floss once a day to remove plaque from between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease.
Brushing Techniques
The American Dental Association recommends these techniques for brushing your teeth:
– Keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
– Move the brush back and forth in small (tooth-wide) strokes.
– Brush all the surfaces of the teeth; that is, the outer, the inner, and the chewing surfaces.
– Clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth using the tip of the brush.
– Brush your tongue to remove bacteria from its surface.
Here Are a Few Other Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums.
– Sweetened drinks cause tooth decay. The consumption of such drinks should be avoided.
– Drink a lot of fluoridated water with meals, and along with sweetened beverages to wash away the sugar and acids.
– Use a recyclable straw to help reduce the contact of sweetened beverages with your teeth.
– Replace sugary drinks with milk, yogurt, or water.
– Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of mouth cancer.
Exams and Preventative Care
Regular dental exams are vital for the detection and prevention of oral diseases. During the dental exam, the dentist will ask you about any health issues you have or any medications you’re taking. They will discuss how these might affect your oral health. For instance, if you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk of gum disease. During an examination, the dentist will verify the stability of fillings or other restorations, and evaluate your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease. They will let you know if there is a need for tooth restoration or tooth replacement, and check your bite and jaw for problems. During the dental exam, they will also look for signs of oral cancer in the mouth and throat areas. Regular exams allow dentists to keep your mouth in good shape and check conditions that may get worse or lead to problems elsewhere in your body.
