Dealing with painful cavities? Tooth related problems are daunting to handle, but cavities are definitely the worst. Blame it to your sweet tooth, frequent munching habit, or the lack of oral care, cavities can cause eventually a big problem.
It all begins with the erosion of tooth enamel and then leads to tiny holes in the tooth called cavities. When left untreated, the condition becomes even worse as the infection can spread to root canals, gums, and jawbones.
Fortunately, the cavities are preventable. Here are some expert tips to maintain healthy teeth while keeping the cavities at bay.
Eat Tooth Friendly Food
Your mouth is home to a billion of microbes that recycle whatever you eat and drink. They feed on the sugars in the foods and drink you consume and grow while leaving behind the dental plaque.
When the little recyclers stick around your teeth for longer due to the plaque, they produce acids that wear down the tooth enamel and cause cavities.
So, if a can of pop or a bag of candy or cookies is your mid-afternoon pick-me-up, you could be damaging your teeth. So, it is important to ditch the sugar-laden foods and drinks otherwise it can spell trouble for your mouth.
It is better to have the sweet stuff at the end of a meal as the saliva produced during this period will whisk away the cavity-causing debris. The longer you keep sweets or sticky foods in your mouth, the worse it can be for your oral health.
Use the Right Brush
Regular brushing is the part of good oral hygiene practice. But that doesn’t mean you need to brush hard to remove the stains. You can damage your enamel by brushing too hard. Instead, use a soft bristles brush and replace it every three to four months or sooner.
Brush in a gentle circular motion and rinse your brush thoroughly once done and let it dry as a wet brush can breed bacteria. Also, make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, a cavity fighter that protects your teeth from cavities.
Avoid Over Bleaching and Whitening
There is nothing wrong with aiming for the whitest smile. With the celebrities gaining attention with their dazzling smiles, more and more people want their teeth to be pearly whites.
However, with the use of over the counter kits and over bleaching and over whitening, you can end up doing more damage to your teeth. It leads to enamel loss and permanent tooth sensitivity. This is why it essential to choose the right whitening products.
Many chemical whitening products and toothpaste are there that promise overnight result but don’t fall in the trap. You can try some natural teeth whiteners or consult your dentist for a whitening procedure.
Floss Regularly
Even with careful brushing, some food particles get stuck between teeth and cause bacteria to grow. As a result, you get cavities.
This is why careful flossing is equally important as brushing to clean the cavity causing debris. Flossing before brushing can help you loosen debris that can then be cleaned with a brush.
Stop Smoking
Apart from putting your health at risk, smoking can dull your smile and increase the risk of cavities. In the worst case, it can even lead to oral cancer.
While smoking, noxious substances enter into your mouth. This invites the bacteria to stick to it and begin to create acid. Thus, it wears away at tooth enamel and result in cavities and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
If you never bother to see a dentist until a serious oral issue arises, you are at high risk of cavities. Cavities are easy to develop, and if left untreated for a longer time, it can get deeper and lead to nerve problems.
Hence, it is recommended to visit a dentist at least twice a year to check for oral problems. Delaying the dental checkup can make things more complicated.
Get a Dental Sealant
Dental sealants are protective plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves and crannies of the teeth where the bacteria tend to grow.
This protective covering seals off the biting surfaces of the back teeth and shields against bacteria and plaque. Although, dental sealants are more common in children but can benefit adults also.
Hydrate for Healthy Teeth
Drinking water is the most beneficial things you can do for your teeth. Especially if it’s fluoridated, it makes one of the healthiest drinks for your pearly whites. It supplies useful minerals to your mouth and teeth and flushes away bad bacteria.
Conclusion
Remember, your oral health is just as crucial as your general health. Teeth cavities can be uncomfortable and painful. So, take extra care and go for a regular dental checkup to protect your teeth and ensure a healthy mouth.
Now that you have some effective tips to prevent cavities put the tips to work, and you will be on your way to a top-notch smile and great oral health.
Author Bio:
John has more than 10 years of experience in general dentistry. Other than that he enjoys hiking and blogging for Opencare. He loves to share his experience and thoughts with the audience.