Your dental health and the health of your mouth can affect your overall well-being. The mouth opens to your gut; hence, your mouth’s state of health. Therefore it’s crucial to take good care of your teeth and oral health and take necessary measures to prevent tooth decay.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of a tooth structure by the accumulation of plaque and acids. The acid in the plaque dissolves the tooth enamel creating cavities.

Plaque is formed when bacteria in the mouth digest carbohydrate foods such as bread, fruits, and cereals left on the teeth forming acids. The acids then combine with food particles and form the plaque, which clings to the teeth, causing tooth decay. You may visit a doctor practicing dentistry for your dental checkup.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay affects many people globally, but you can prevent it by putting in place some prevention measures.

1.   Brushing Teeth & Flossing

Clean your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride found in toothpaste leaves a protective coat on the surface of your teeth which resists acid attack.

You should brush your teeth thoroughly and ensure that all food debris is removed from all mouth surfaces, including the tongue, to prevent the formation and accumulation of plaque. Ensure you replace your toothbrush at least once every two months.

Dental flossing is the removal of plaque between the teeth using floss. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from places hard to reach with the regular toothbrush. Do flossing at least once daily.

2.   Diet & Lifestyle

The major contributor to dental erosion and dental cavities is diets rich in acids such as soft foods and drinks rich in sugars. According to WHO, an unhealthy diet and poor nutrition affect your teeth’ health and jaws’ growth at developmental stages.

It’s, therefore, essential to check on your diet and lifestyle and reduce the intake of foods rich in sugars and acidic soft drinks. Also, remember to clean your teeth regularly to remove the acids and food articles left after consuming your meals.

3.   Visit Dentist Regularly

Taking care of your teeth may not maximally protect you from dental problems. Some plaque may be hard to remove. Therefore, it’s essential to visit your dentist at least once every two years for a professional dental checkup. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar, which you may not be able to remove using the usual cleaning methods.

Identifying teeth which have started forming cavities is vital to prevent further decay. Your dental specialist may recommend treatments depending on the status of your oral health; professional cleaning of teeth keeps your teeth healthy for long. For people below 18 years, you should visit your dentist at least once every year.

4.   Using Mouthwash

Dental mouthwash helps prevent tooth decay, and those with antiseptic properties will also help kill bacteria in the mouth. Follow the guidelines provided for using mouthwash. However, letting the mouthwash stay without rinsing for a while helps preserve fluoride in the mouth across all surfaces. The fluoride coat helps the teeth resist acid attacks.

Conclusion

Tooth decay is a common oral problem globally and may cause much pain and discomfort. Therefore it’s crucial to give dental health a priority in your daily activities and your health budget.

Eat healthy meals, avoid acidic and sugary foods, brush your teeth twice daily, and make dental bookings with your dentist regularly to prevent deterioration of any dental or mouth problems. Keeping your mouth fresh gives you confidence and enlightens your smile.