Dental care is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene. Without it, you run the risk of developing cavities and other dental problems. Fortunately, preventive dental care is fairly easy to implement. Keep reading for more information about how to prevent dental cavities.
Brush your teeth twice a day
The most important step in preventing oral problems is regular tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth twice a day (morning and night) may not only remove plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems, but it also improves the look and feel of your teeth. Studies show that brushing your teeth twice a day also increases saliva production, which helps to neutralize the acid in your mouth and ultimately reduces the risk of developing cavities.
Eat healthy food
Drinking water and brushing your teeth are great ways to prevent cavities, but what you eat is just as important. Make sure to consume a healthy diet that is low in sugary foods, fatty foods (such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, pastries and sugar-sweetened beverages) and foods that are high in acid, such as fruits and vegetables. This will help to prevent bad bacteria from developing in your mouth and developing into severe dental problems.
Avoid smoking
Did you know that the toxins in tobacco can cause damage to your teeth and gums? Not only does smoking put you at risk of dental problems, but it’s also bad for your teeth, mouth and teeth enamel. Smoking can damage the protective coating on your teeth and cause your teeth to become more susceptible to cavities and stains.
Stay hydrated
Similarly, staying adequately hydrated through daily consumption of water can significantly improve your oral health. Not only does it help to remove metabolic wastes from your mouth, but it also helps to improve oral hygiene. If you’re not drinking enough water, you’re exposing your teeth and mouth to harmful toxins that can lead to the development of dental problems.
Seek dental care when needed
If you notice that your teeth are discolored or seem to be getting slightly worse, make an appointment with your dentist to get assessed. Although it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, it’s also important to see a dentist if you experience any type of dental problems. If you don’t see a dentist when you should, you risk developing serious dental problems, including dental cavities and tooth decay. Some dental problems, such as poorly-aligned teeth, can only be fixed by a dentist. Others, such as bad breath, can be easily and cheaply corrected by visiting your dentist for a quick examination.
Don’t forget to floss!
One of the most important aspects of preventing dental cavities is making sure that you floss your teeth. More than just removing small bits of plaque from between your teeth, flossing removes large bits of plaque from between your teeth and gums, which can lead to the development of dental problems, including cavities. You can either use dental floss or string for this.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that oral health is a lifetime commitment. Daily brushing and drinking water are essential to preventing dental problems, but they are far from the only ways to maintain good oral health. Other tips such as avoiding smoking, eating healthy food, and staying hydrated can also significantly improve your chances of developing dental problems. If you implement these preventative care tips, you will be well on your way to preventing cavities and maintaining a healthy smile for years to come. Give Sunrise Village Dental a call at (604) 253-2433 or swing by our dental office located on Hastings St. in Vancouver, BC to book your next dental appointment.