Cavities are no fun and can be a horrible experience for those who are unfortunate enough to get them. Tooth decay and cavities are among the most common health problems on the globe.
Cavity prevention should be taught to children from an early age. We all know the familiar advice from our dentist in Barrie to brush our teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep cavities at bay. However, preventing the need for cavity treatment near you can prove challenging, especially for young kids who have a sweet tooth.
Cavities happen due to tooth decay. If you do not maintain good oral hygiene or if you frequently snack on sugary treats, your mouth will quickly become host to several harmful bacteria. As these bacteria build up in your mouth, they cause tooth decay. Cavities are the large holes in your tooth enamel caused by this decay.
If you leave cavities untreated, they can worsen, leading to more severe oral health problems such as infection and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help detect if you require cavity treatment in Barrie, but what if you could avoid cavities altogether? Our team at Northern Horizon Dental has put together this list of tips to help you learn how to protect yourself from cavities.
1. Clean Your Teeth Properly
The best way to fight off harmful bacteria in your mouth is to not give it a chance to linger. You can do this by brushing your teeth regularly, especially after meals and right before bed. When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, place it at a 45-degree angle and move it in a gentle back-and-forth motion.
2. Understand Your Risk Level
Some people are more prone to cavities than others. Factors such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle all play a role in how likely you are to develop cavities. To determine your risk level, a dentist near you will have to complete an examination of your teeth and gums.
If you are at higher risk of getting a cavity, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently for checkups and cleanings.
3. Make Sure You Floss
No matter how good your brushing technique is, you still need to floss to reach the space between your teeth. Flossing is a quick and simple way to remove any bacteria stuck between your teeth. Try to floss between meals and before bedtime.
4. Decrease Your Sugar Intake
Often, hot coffee is exactly what we need to get our day going, but be sure that your coffee doesn’t contain too much sugar. Bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugars, and when we consume extra sugar, we create an ideal environment for them to eat away at our tooth enamel and cause cavities.
5. Stop Smoking
Not only is smoking one of the leading causes of lung cancer and other medical conditions, but it also leads to gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. If you are a smoker, the biggest favor you can do your mouth and the entire body are to quit this habit.
Tooth decay, infection, cavities, and pain are all things we never want to experience. To prevent this and protect your oral health, make sure that you follow the above tips and prioritize your oral hygiene.
Here at Northern Horizon Dental, we understand the importance of your oral health and want to help you maintain a happy and healthy smile for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about how to protect your teeth from cavities.