5 Best Practices to Reduce Tooth Decay

5 Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

Tooth DecayTooth cavities can not only be an embarrassment but may also cause a lot of pain if the situation is left unattended. Tooth cavities are caused by harmful bacteria that build up on your teeth as a result of food particles being lodged in the teeth. The bacteria on the teeth mainly feed off of sugar that comes into the mouth as a result of consuming sugary meals and beverages. Bacteria attack your teeth’s enamel, which is a protective hard coating that covers the soft parts of your tooth. Once the enamel gets eroded, bacteria will penetrate past the cementum, exposing the nerve endings and roots.

Preventing tooth decay is easy if one follows simple and basic dental hygiene practices. It's also important to check in with the local dentist for regular appointments and advice on how to keep your oral health in the best shape. Below are some great tips on how you can keep tooth decay at bay and avoid having to have your teeth filled or extracted.

Brush your teeth regularly

Teeth easily pick up and retain food particles after every meal. The simplest and tiniest snack can have your teeth picking up a lot of bacteria in no time. It is therefore important to brush your teeth after meals. It would be best to do so in the morning after you have had breakfast and after dinner just before you retire for bed.

Picking up mouthwash

Brushing your teeth regularly is a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. A better way to maintain a healthy mouth is also to keep your breath fresh by using mouthwash. By being a liquid, mouthwash has the ability to penetrate inside tiny little pockets in between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. Mouthwash also contains agents that reduce the mouth’s acidity while also eliminating harmful bacteria. Mouthwash is, therefore, a great ally when it comes to preventing tooth decay.

Visit the dentist regularly

Do not visit the dentist only when your oral health has deteriorated to the point where you either need a tooth extraction, filling or root canal. Make a point of visiting the dentist once every few months. Dental visits will help prevent tooth decay since the dentist will regularly give you a good tooth cleaning session while also advising you on what to do to maintain good oral health.

Think about getting dental sealants

Dental sealants are great when it comes to protecting teeth against decay. Sealants prevent tooth decay by sealing the vulnerable parts of the tooth away from the reach of harmful bacteria. Sealants form a protective shield around the tooth, protecting them from decay.

Drink water with fluoride in it

Flouride is added to the public water supply system in most cities. This is great since fluoride helps in preventing tooth decay. Fluoridated water not only helps in getting rid of harmful bacteria but also helps remineralize the teeth.

Reducing a tooth from decaying can be an extremely important step in maintaining good dental hygiene, but it is important to know how to properly do so.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

Recent Posts

Why A Dental Check-up Is So Important

The idea of skipping routine dental check-up appointments may have crossed your mind. However, it would be best to read on to learn why this is not a good idea. These check-ups not only treat dental issues alone but also help prevent them from happening in the first place. Dental professionals generally recommend visiting the…

What To Expect During A Dental Check-Up

Are you due for a dental check-up? Has it been a while? You may not know what to expect if you have not had a dental check-up in a long time. Read on to discover what happens during a typical dental check-up. Oral health is important, not only for your mouth but for your overall…

The Importance Of Oral Hygiene For Preventive Dentistry

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums relies heavily on preventive dentistry. Even though many treatments exist that can remove diseased tissue and repair damage, prioritizing good oral health can eliminate the need for many types of invasive dental work. Seeing a dentist at least once every six months is essential, but practicing good oral hygiene on…

How Often Should I Get A Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning and check-up should be done at least once or twice a year. Even if you practice an excellent oral hygiene routine at home, it is advisable to have a dentist perform a careful exam. The dental appointment can help identify developing oral issues before they worsen. One way to keep your oral…


Recent Posts

Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right For You

Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right For You

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The custom-fit shells can improve your looks. Each one can even provide support for your teeth. Here are the questions to ask your cosmetic dentist to find out if getting veneers will be a good decision for you.These thin shells go…

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You A Smile Makeover

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You A Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists understand this, so they are committed to providing patients with the smile of their dreams. They do this through smile makeovers. Smile makeovers are custom for each patient and encompass various services. Here are the five most common.Dental bonding is…