Tooth decay is a common health condition caused by a multitude of seemingly harmless factors. Over time, though, tooth decay can cause problems with your health and even affect your confidence and self-esteem.
There are, however, plenty of ways to prevent tooth decay, and these 12 preventive measures against tooth decay will help you ensure good oral hygiene.
1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste can prevent the spread of oral bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. For extra tooth protection, gargle with mouthwash after you finish brushing your teeth.
Aside from brushing and using mouth wash, there is another important tooth decay treatment, such as the following.
2. Use Dental Floss
Cleaning in between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner removes any food particles lodged between those spaces. Flossing prevents tooth decay, tartar buildup, plaque formation, and bad breath, and it’s a critical part of your dental care.
Contrary to what most people think, this next suggestion is actually good for you!
3. Drink Tap Water
Most people prefer to drink purified water out of water bottles, but they’re actually missing out. Public water systems usually add fluoride, which, as we know, helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. So, drinking tap water isn’t as bad as you think!
As far as the following treatment for tooth decay, less is more, and for a good reason.
4. Cut Down On Snacking
Snacking or drinking unhealthy foods and beverages causes oral bacteria to produce acids that can melt away tooth enamel. It’s best to limit your snacking gradually and be selective with what you eat.
But what should you eat if you’re limiting how much you snack?
5. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
When it comes to preventing cavities, try to eat less food that gets stuck between your teeth. Lessen your consumption of anything sugary and eat more foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other healthy foods.
As it turns out, you can’t be the only advocate for your teeth.
6. Visit The Dentist Regularly
Attending dental checkups with your dentist is critical and can help spot tooth problems and fix them early on. You should get your teeth cleaned (oral prophylaxis) twice a year to remove plaque formations and screen for other dental problems.
While you’re at the dentist, they might talk to you about the following treatment option.
7. Get Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They close up spaces in the teeth to prevent food from getting stuck, and they shield tooth enamel from plaque and acid. These sealants are usually recommended for kids and teens.
Your dentist might also suggest the following cavity treatment.
8. Get Fluoride Treatments
Drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste may not be enough to get the fluoride your teeth needs. Dentists often suggest getting fluoride treatments by applying gel or foam through a small tray that fits over the teeth.
In more severe cases, treatment for cavities might including the following.
9. Dental Fillings
Dental restoration, or fillings, is the principal treatment choice when cases of tooth decay have advanced past their initial stage. Dentists often use materials like porcelain, resin, or dental amalgam in this procedure.
In severe decay cases, the following cavity treatment might occur.
10. Root Canals
Root canals are performed when tooth decay has already reached the pulp, the tooth’s inner layer. This involves removing the affected pulp to save the tooth from being removed and replacing it with a filling.
And when there’s no other choice left, this last treatment might occur.
11. Tooth Extractions
Severe cases of tooth decay are usually no longer repairable by restoration or root canals and must be removed to avoid pain and prevent the other teeth from getting infected. Because tooth extraction leaves a gap, most people consider having dental implants to fill it.
