5 Simple Ways to Prevent Cavities

All you hear is, brushing and flossing will help keep cavities away. Yet, you find one in four adults in America with tooth decay while half the teenage population either have or had cavities. Having a good oral regimen can prevent cavities and help maintain both teeth and gums. Brian Leeson DMD from 4th Street Family Dentistry discusses the measures individuals can take to keep cavities away:

Know your risk of developing cavities

Your dentist can help you determine your cavity risk level by conducting a thorough dental exam. The exam will analyze the current state of your oral health and its risk to cavities. As you continuously go to your dentist for regular visits, they will be able to detect bacteria forming immediately and suggest preventative dentistry measures to take to fight the cavity. This can be changing your oral regimen and or diet. 

Brush regularly 

Brushing cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to fighting cavities and tooth decay. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria that are looking to pounce at the opportunity to multiply and lead to decay. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes to ensure you keep the bacteria at bay while also getting rid of harmful bacteria.

Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, adds that When brushing, you want to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. This is so it doesn’t harm your gums. Brush with gentle circular motions and go from one end to the other. Once you are done with your teeth, be sure to also brush your tongue because bacteria can build upon it.

Focus on your diet

It may be hard to go without your daily cup of tea or coffee but you may have to. Coffee and tea are both acidic which are not good for the teeth. Acidic food is as bad as sugary foods. Both increase the risk of cavities so you need to control your diet and limit consumption of both. As you reduce your intake, you should consider drinking more water. Water consumption helps flush bacteria out of the mouth while also distribute the nutrients properly. 

Develop a habit of flossing

Flossing isn’t fun but it does keep your teeth and gums healthy. Most people think that brushing is enough but there are parts of the teeth you can’t reach with the brush, specifically between the teeth. Floss lets you clean out any food particle stuck between teeth and in the outer part of the gums. You don’t have to floss after every meal but try to do it at least once a day. 

Quit smoking

Smoking and tobacco are known to cause numerous diseases which include mouth cancer. Smoking leads to bad oral hygiene and makes your mouth more susceptible to bacteria leading to cavities. If you want to take care of your mouth and you smoke, quitting would be the first step. 

For anyone looking to improve their oral health in St. Petersburg, FL, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry. The team consists of experienced dentists and dental assistants that can help treat and prevent cavities and help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted.