Weapons Against Tooth Decay
May 15, 2017
Practically every adult in the United States has to contend with some degree of tooth decay. Tooth enamel naturally weakens and erodes as you age, but there are a number of steps you can take to help preserve your teeth. If you want to avoid dental fillings, dental crowns or even dental implants, take these steps to prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth healthy.
Eat Right
May 19th is National Devil’s Food Cake Day, so designate it as your cheat day now. The rest of the time, avoid sugary or starchy foods. An accumulation of sugar in the mouth attracts bacteria that can eat away at tooth enamel.
Brush and Floss
Good oral hygiene is probably the best way to avoid tooth decay. Most people need to brush daily and floss twice a day, but certain individuals may need a more aggressive regimen. Talk to your dentist about proper oral hygiene techniques.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Though citrus and other foods with a high acid content don’t generally have the same bad reputation as sugary foods, they can also cause tooth decay. Acids actually eat away at the top layer of tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to take up residence.
Drink Plenty of Water
A dry mouth is a mouth that is more prone to decay. Make sure you are staying hydrated throughout the day by drinking mostly water as opposed to juice or caffeinated beverages. Every time you drink water, it rinses your teeth, washing away old food particles and germs.
Visit the Dentist
The dentist is your last and best line of defense against tooth decay. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it is still important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning at least twice a year.
If one or more of your teeth are worn down due to decay, schedule an appointment at Waterside Dental to discuss dental implants and/or dental crowns in Pinellas Park, FL to restore your natural smile. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.