Nothing can turn a smile into a frown faster than tooth decay. Tooth decay can kill your teeth, create infections that can spread into other parts of your mouth, and cause recurring pain that can make a task as simple as eating difficult and taxing. That’s why you shouldn’t slack on maintaining good oral hygiene: The discomfort and costs that come from fixing tooth decay would make you wish you had taken better care of your teeth when you had a chance!
At Dental Specialty Associates we know what steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Here are the four best ways to beat tooth decay.
Daily Maintenance
The number one most important thing to do to fight tooth decay is to clean your teeth every single day. You should be brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, for at least two minutes at a time. And make sure you’re thorough: People often neglect areas like the tongue when they’re brushing, which is a big mistake. Your tongue can become a hotbed of mouth bacteria, so keep it clean!
Avoid Sugars & Acids
Sugars and acids are among the leading causes of tooth decay. That’s because they wear away the enamel of your teeth. Your enamel is a protective coating that keeps your teeth from getting infected. With your enamel weakened, it gives bacteria and plaque a chance to take root and eat away at your tooth. Avoid sugar and acid rich foods and drinks. If you’re going to drink something sugary, consider drinking it through a straw: This will limit how much contact the liquid makes with your teeth.
Don’t just think that cutting out sweet stuff is enough. Even healthy foods like citrus fruit can be damaging! The key is to be sure to rinse your mouth out immediately after every meal. This will wash away any acids, sugars, and food particles still clinging to your teeth.
Say No To Hard Candies
It can be tempting to crunch open that lollipop, but don’t do it! It isn’t worth it. Biting down on hard candies can crack and chip your teeth. A damaged tooth is a weak and susceptible tooth, so think twice before chomping down a hard candy: It could be the first step towards a serious case of tooth decay.
Hydrate
Staying hydrated is essential to your overall health and wellness. But did you also know that it can make a huge difference for your teeth? Drinking lots of water helps rinse your teeth. It washes away chemicals, acids, and sugars that can cling to your teeth, staining them and eating away at their enamel. It also rinses out stray particles of food that can get stuck between your teeth. Staying hydrated also keeps your immune system strong. When you’re dehydrated, it weakens your body, making it harder for you to battle infection.
An added benefit of hydration is that it keeps your saliva production strong. Saliva helps keep your mouth cleaning by rinsing it and flushing out mouth bacteria before they take hold on your teeth, gums, and tongue. Dehydration ruins your saliva flow, which leaves you vulnerable to tooth decay.
For more information on how you can beat tooth decay, give Dental Specialty Associates a call at 602-795-5995.
