The process of tooth decay can have a detrimental impact on your oral health. Your oral health may be exposed to erosion of the enamel, the tooth root becoming exposed to bacteria and tooth loss.
Luckily, there are steps that you can take at home to prevent teeth from becoming decayed. Unfortunately, reducing the chances of tooth decay will mean carrying out steps that you may not necessarily like, one of them being the foods you eat.
Also, if you thought reducing tooth decay only requires regular brushing and flossing of teeth, you thought wrong.
The Prevention Steps
There are more prevention steps you can take to preserve your oral health for strong and shiny teeth.
Brush and Floss Regularly
You guessed it. Brushing and flossing regularly is a key tip to avoid tooth decay. Ensure you brush teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day. You should also consider flossing your gums after a meal to clear any food debris. If the debris stays wedged between teeth, this can be dangerous and begin the process of decay.
Book Dental Check-ups
How often do you visit the dentist? You must not neglect dental check-ups because the dentist is best placed to determine the state of your oral health and provide further dental advice. They would be able to detect any abnormal signs to your oral health that you may not necessarily see in the mirror at home. The dentist simply wants to ensure your oral health is positive and your teeth are strong. Where there are any decay signs, the dentist can take appropriate action almost immediately.
Balance Your Diet
What are you eating every day? You need to be careful about the food and drink you consume. Sugary and acidic foods are the worst for your oral health. Unfortunately, they are the tastiest foods that we want to consume, however, this needs to be reduced to make way for calcium-rich foods that deliver the minerals your bone and teeth require to preserve your oral health. Foods such as dairy, green vegetables and fish are examples of good food.
Reduce Smoking and Alcohol
If you smoke and consume tobacco, you’re opening the door for tooth decay. The tartar that forms on teeth is the first step where teeth become discoloured and decayed. You’re opening the opportunity for gum disease and bone de-stimulation. When the strength of your bone degrades, your teeth will eventually fall out. Alcohol also contains acidic properties that can decay teeth. Read to learn more about the consumption of smoking and alcohol and its impacts.
Fluoride
Consider drinking fluoridated water or brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride contains sodium properties that fight away cavity, make teeth stronger and reverse any early signs of tooth decay. You can seek advice on fluoride toothpaste at the dentist, more reason to book regular check-ups!
Where you consistently consume food and drink that contain high levels of sugar, the bacteria in the plaque build-up acid that can attack tooth enamel. As well as following the above tips to reduce chances of tooth decay, read to learn how you can strengthen your tooth enamel.
Are you worried about the state of your teeth? Contact our helpful dental team at Integrated Smiles today and let us reduce your concerns and restore your oral health.
