You think you’re doing all the right things with your teeth. You’re brushing and flossing regularly. That should be enough, right? Not necessarily.
You can still get cavities even if you brush and floss your teeth daily. This can be a frustrating situation to deal with when you visit your dentist, but you’re not alone. Twenty-five percent of adults have cavities and more than half of teens have had them at some point.
Oral health is not something you should take for granted. While tooth decay is very common, you don’t have to be a statistic. Here are five things you should do to keep cavities at bay.
1. Brush Properly
This is the most obvious piece of advice, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who don’t brush their teeth properly. It’s recommended that you brush at least twice a day to get rid of bacteria. But do you know how to properly use a toothbrush? The American Dental Association recommends that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and place it at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Then move the brush back and forth gently. You should then use the tip of the toothbrush to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth, going up and down gently.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing may seem like a huge chore, but it’s a necessary one if you want clean and healthy teeth. Keep in mind that teeth have five sides and when you brush, you’re cleaning just three of those sides. So flossing is necessary and it takes just a few minutes a day, so why not just do it? Need help with proper flossing technique? There are many YouTube videos that can help or just ask your dentist.
3. Consume the Right Drinks
The best thing you can drink to protect your teeth is water. Coffee, tea, and sugary drinks stay in our saliva and cause damage to our teeth. If you must consume these drinks, rinse out your mouth with water afterward.
4. See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular cleanings with Suncreek Dental Group are the best form of tooth decay prevention. It is recommended that you see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Exams and X-rays can look for any trouble spots before they get worse and turn into decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. So don’t ignore your dentist appointments. They could be vital to your health.
5. Consider Fluoride and Sealants
Fluoride and sealants can help protect teeth. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments if you don’t drink tap water. Sealants are applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth. They seal off the areas that tend to collect food, making plaque and cavities less likely to occur.
Contact Us Today
While your dentist can help take care of your teeth, you need to do your part as well to prevent cavities.
At Suncreek Dental Group, we offer a variety of services to keep your teeth clean and healthy for life. We can help you prevent cavities and other oral and dental issues. Schedule an appointment today to get started. Call (303) 933-2522 or fill out the online form.
Category: General