Cavities are the result of tooth decay and are extremely common in children and adults. Although tooth decay occurs naturally, learning how to prevent tooth decay could help you reduce your risk of having to get fillings or suffering from tooth loss. Learn more about how to prevent tooth decay during general dentistry at Lovett Dental Jersey Village.
Use Fluoride to Prevent Tooth Decay
One of the most effective ways of protecting your teeth from decay is to use fluoride consistently. There are many ways to get more exposure to fluoride to protect the teeth. Find a toothpaste product that contains fluoride, which will prevent mineral loss in tooth enamel and also replace lost minerals. The fluoride treatments will also prevent any bacteria in the mouth from forming acid.
Drinking tap water from a community water supply is an additional way to increase your exposure to fluoride. You can also talk to your dentist about applying a fluoride gel or varnish solution to your teeth. Your dentist may also be able to provide you with fluoride tablets, or he or she might recommend using a specific fluoride mouth rinse each day.
Prevent Tooth Decay by Limiting Sugar Consumption
Sugar is one of the main threats to oral health and can increase the risk of developing cavities. Save desserts and candy for holidays or special occasions for proper tooth decay prevention. It’s also essential to avoid drinking juice or soda consistently. Once sugar sits in the mouth, it can become acidic and will begin to break down teeth.
Consider Dental Sealants to Prevent Tooth Decay
Take the extra step toward tooth decay prevention by talking to your dentist about getting dental sealants. Dental sealants act as a barrier to the teeth to prevent them from having contact with germs and bacteria. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of teeth that are in the back of the mouth. Children can also get their teeth sealed with general dentistry services immediately after they come in and learn how to brush correctly.
Prevent Tooth Decay by Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Visiting the dentist is an integral part of maintaining your oral health and can reduce the risk of tooth decay while also slowing down its progression. Schedule an appointment every six months to ensure your teeth are professionally cleaned. Teeth cleanings remove excess plaque via professional tools and equipment. Your dentist will examine your teeth during a routine cleaning, looking for any areas where decay has begun. He or she might also perform X-rays. Your dentist might even offer recommendations on specific dental products you should be using that will help you improve your brushing techniques.
Floss Each Day to Prevent Tooth Decay
You should be in the habit of flossing each day to ensure that all food particles are completely removed from your teeth for proper tooth decay prevention. If you forget to floss, food can stay in the teeth for several days or weeks, increasing the risk of tooth decay. A water flosser is also useful because it can perform a more thorough job of removing food and bacteria from the teeth.
Brushing should also be performed daily to reduce the risk of tooth decay by removing germs and bacteria. Brush at a 45-degree angle on the gums to ensure plaque is cleaned off the teeth. Use tooth-wide strokes on the outer and inner parts of the teeth. It’s also necessary to clean all of the chewing surfaces where food has the most contact with the teeth.
Prevent Tooth Decay at Lovett Dental Jersey Village
If you want to learn more about preventing tooth decay, contact Lovett Dental Jersey Village today. Call 281-890-5002 to learn more about the services we provide and receive additional information about improving your oral health with the help of our team.
