You only get one set of adult teeth, and they need to last you a lifetime. To avoid serious dental issues in the future, you must learn how to prevent tooth decay by practicing proper dental hygiene. Taking good care of your teeth involves more than a simple daily brushing or a quick swish of mouthwash — it encompasses dietary choices, too. When you develop a healthy, regular dental hygiene practice, you give your teeth the best possible chance to serve you for decades. If you’re looking for professional assistance with your tooth decay prevention, Lovett Dental general dentistry in Cinco Ranch, Texas, is here to serve you.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is the deterioration of the enamel that forms the outer layer of your teeth. Each day, plaque adheres to your teeth as a result of normal daily activities such as eating and drinking. Because plaque consists primarily of bacteria, it is detrimental to both your enamel and your overall gum health. When you consume foods or drinks containing sugar, the bacteria within your mouth that digest that sugar produces acids. Over time, these acids corrode the enamel on your teeth, leading to plaque, tartar, and eventually cavities.
Because plaque is sticky, it remains in contact with your teeth over extended periods if you do not practice proper brushing and flossing. To maintain your dental health and ensure your mouth remains at a neutral pH, you must avoid sugar as much as possible. Along with sugar avoidance, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly, following your dentist’s instructions.
Regular Dental Care With the Appropriate Dental Hygiene Products
Curious about how to prevent tooth decay in the most efficient manner? First and foremost, regular professional dental cleanings are critical. Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar and new plaque buildup on your teeth. Dentists also recommend brushing your teeth at least twice per day for a minimum of two minutes per brushing session. You must follow your brushing session with thorough flossing, too. To get the most out of your daily brushing, you must select the appropriate dental hygiene tools. Products to include in a healthy dental hygiene routine include:
- Fluoride toothpaste with ADA Seal of Acceptance
- A soft-bristled electric or manual toothbrush
- A water pick
- Floss
- Mouthwash
How To Prevent Tooth Decay Naturally
Curious about how to prevent tooth decay naturally? Everyone knows sugar isn’t great for your dental health, but did you know that other dietary choices can affect your teeth? It’s true — the food you eat has the potential to either help or hurt your teeth. And if you’re looking for natural methods of tooth decay prevention, one of the best options is altering your diet.
Foods that contain high levels of calcium, like dairy products, broccoli, leafy greens, almonds, brazil nuts, and legumes all work to strengthen your teeth and prevent deterioration. Incorporating several daily servings of these healthful foods not only strengthens and fortifies your teeth but contributes to a stronger, healthier body, too.
Foods high in B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and fiber also help maintain dental health. Iron and B vitamins are essential for gum health, while fibrous foods keep your saliva flow at normal, healthy levels. Because sufficient saliva flow helps ward off dental infection and gum deterioration, your mouth must remain moist at all times.
Maintaining dental health isn’t just about eating the right foods; it’s also about avoiding the wrong ones. Stay away from processed junk foods, including candy, cookies, chips, sugar-laden drinks, cakes, muffins, and any other foods that contain substantial amounts of refined sugar. Nutrition labels can be sneaky — watch out for sugar in any of these forms when you’re reading nutrition labels. Even nutritious foods like tomatoes can harm your teeth due to their high acid content. Try to eat acidic foods in moderation or include them as part of a meal with low-acid ingredients. And for those of you who can’t live without coffee, always brush your teeth after drinking your daily cup — coffee is acidic and can harm your teeth and gums over time.
Take Care of Your Teeth At Lovett Dental
Want to learn more about how to prevent tooth decay? Visit Lovett Dental. We’re a full-service, multi-location general and cosmetic dentistry practice serving the greater Houston area. A few of the areas we specialize in include:
To learn more about our services or to schedule your cleaning or treatment appointment, give our caring team a call at 713-244-7799. Let Lovett Dental love your smile!
