Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Dental Cavities

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay, are areas of your tooth enamel that have been permanently damaged, developing into small holes or openings. If left untreated, these holes gradually grow larger and more painful and can harm the integrity of the surrounding teeth and cause serious dental health problems. Cavities are caused by acid in your mouth from plaque, dissolving the outer layers of your tooth enamel. As well as the health implications, cavities are unsightly, and a mouth of brown, decaying teeth can seriously impact your self-esteem. With all that being said, here is how you can reduce your risk of developing dental cavities.

Reduce your sugar intake

You are no doubt well-aware of the toll too much sugar takes on your waistline, but have you ever considered the impact it can have on your teeth? Sugary foods and drinks can damage the enamel of the tooth, leading to cavities, so it is important that you keep your intake of sugary items to a minimum. Try to eliminate snacking between meals; if you must, snack on low sugar foods with teeth cleaning properties, such as apples or carrots. Furthermore, try swilling your mouth out with water or mouthwash after meals to remove any sugar that has stuck to the surface of your teeth. 

Brush and floss twice a day

The most reliable way of preventing dental cavities is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. An oral hygiene supplies store, like Kent Express Dental Supplies at kentexpress.co.uk, will stock everything you need for a thorough daily oral hygiene routine. A fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Dental floss removes debris from hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and plaque from between the teeth, ensuring a deeper clean. Each tooth brushing session should last at least three minutes; the Oral-B app will guide you through your session to ensure that each tooth is getting a thorough clean.

Visit your dentist regularly

It is of utmost importance for you to visit the best VIPCare dentist in Tampa at least twice a year for a dental check-up even if you feel like you don’t have any dental issues. Your dentist will be able to spot the early signs of dental cavities, which can be reversed if preventative measures are taken early enough. If you are reluctant to pay your dentist a regular visit, having been scarred by traumatic childhood dental procedures, don’t worry – a modern-day dental clinic is more than likely to be a positive experience, a light and airy clinic with friendly and reassuring members of staff. That being said if you’re experiencing any oral discomfort, don’t hesitate to fix that toothache with a dentist in clifton as soon as possible.

Cut down on alcohol

Alcohol can erode the outer surface of the teeth, leading to a loss of enamel that can eventually result in cavities. This is because alcohol has a high sugar content that is damaging for tooth enamel. Try to reduce your alcohol intake or stick to low sugar options like gin or vodka with a sugar-free mixer.