Tooth decay can be very harmful to your oral health. Tooth decay is the process of your teeth becoming damage owing to dental plaque, a sticky bacterial substance that turns sugars into acid. As dental plaque builds around your teeth, it can lead to tiny openings, or a hole, in your teeth. This is known as a cavity. A dental abscess, a collection of pus from the root of the teeth or gums will also develop. Eventually, the tooth will be unusable and would need to be extracted.
Tooth decay is a consequence of not looking after your teeth and gums properly with a strong oral routine. What constitutes a strong oral routine that can reduce tooth decay?
Let’s read on to find out how. Here are five key tips you need to take on board to reduce tooth decay for a stronger smile.
Brushing And Flossing
Brushing and flossing are fundamental to limiting the chances of tooth decay. When brushing your teeth, the bristles on your toothbrush accumulate bacteria that forms in and around your mouth daily. Bacteria is a culprit for dental plaque and tooth decay, and to keep your mouth clean, always brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing is just as important because food can become stuck in between your teeth. Flossing is especially important if you have misaligned teeth as food can become stuck easily. You may want to consider brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for both your children and yourself as they’re designed to limit any signs of decay. You can consult your dentist more about this.
Drink More Water
Water is free of harmful properties. Compare that to sodas which contain sugar, something that’s bad for your teeth. It is recommended that you drink at least two to three litres of water a day. Besides sugar, caffeine and acids also lead to tooth decay, but water is the only beverage that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Water also helps to neutralize bacteria in the mouth, decreasing the chances of tooth decay.
Regularly Replace Your Toothbrush
Replacing your toothbrush regularly (at least every four months) is very important to reduce tooth decay. The bristles on your toothbrush have a shelf life, and when the bristles become too soft, it can no longer accumulate the bacteria it needs to for your teeth to remain clean throughout the day. Once the bristles begin to curl up, it is a sign that you need to replace your toothbrush.
Chew Sugarless Gum
One of the hidden tips you should incorporate as part of a strong routine is to chew sugarless gum. The key benefit to this is saliva production. Saliva keeps your mouth clean by digesting food that remains in the mouth. The more saliva produced, the cleaner your mouth is. Just ensure that your gum is sugar-free.
Eat More Calcium
Processed foods such as bread, rice and noodles are starchy foods that contain sugar. Combine this with bacteria and acid will begin to form on the surface of your teeth. This will significantly damage your enamel. Start eating more foods that contain calcium. Calcium is a vital property that promotes enamel remineralization, the process of your enamel becoming stronger by accumulating its required nutrients. A weak enamel makes teeth susceptible to tooth decay.
A strong nutrition plan and a strong oral routine are essential in limiting tooth decay. When cavities begin to form, your teeth are more than likely to become severely decayed. You’re also in danger of contracting gum disease. If you need further information and support to reduce tooth decay through these methods, seek help from one of our Bendigo dentists.
Have you had your tooth extracted and need assistance on how to look after your teeth going forward? We have a detailed guide on how to reduce tooth decay?
All you need to do is check yourself in for a check-up and you can ask all of the questions with our experienced dentists in Bendigo. Click here to book today.
