We all understand basic oral hygiene practices – we’re taught from an early age about the importance of brushing and flossing daily. However, as easy as it all may seem, life can get very busy, and it can be tough to provide yourself with adequate oral health care on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, even those that stick to a regimented oral health care routine are susceptible to the occasional cavity. There are many ways to reduce your risk of cavities – here are three tips to best prevent them from becoming an issue:
Understand Your Level of Risk
Everyone has a unique level of risk when it comes to their vulnerability to cavities. A full and thorough dental examination should give you and your dentist a better understanding of your level of risk and what you can do habit-wise and diet-wise to reduce your risk and improve your overall health. Your dentist will also be able to offer you a medical suggestion about how often you should be coming in for dental exams to provide the best possible care.
Brushing Consistently and Accurately
It’s not just important for you to brush consistently; you must brush with a practical and secure manner. Brushing your teeth is the quickest and most effective way to rid your mouth of bacteria that thrives on leftover sugars and carbs in your mouth. While you don’t necessarily need to brush your teeth after every snack, you must brush thoroughly after every meal and especially before nighttime. Leaving harmful bacteria in your mouth overnight is the most perilous because it can destroy the enamel on your teeth.
Ensure that you invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush and that you don’t brush too hard. Brush each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds each. Make sure that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Eliminate Sugary & Acidic Drinks from Your Routine
Most everybody has a guilty pleasure, and for many people, it often has something to do with a carbonated beverage. Soda and citrusy drinks are incredibly popular all over Canada and are sold at virtually every store in small fridges at every single restaurant. Cutting these drinks out of your diet will go a long way in preserving the foundation of your enamel – coffee is also high in acidic content, so be sure to limit the number of coffees you have in a single day.
Additionally, if you’re a heavy smoker, the risk of cavities is significantly heightened. To reduce your risk of cavities and other serious oral and overall health complications, learning how to quit smoking is an incredibly important decision to make.
For more information on preventing cavities, contact Tooth Harmony today!