TOOTH DECAY
3 TIPS TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
Tooth decay is the most common problem in adults and children. Tooth decay is preventable. Follow these 3 tips to prevent dental decay and keep your teeth healthy:
BRUSH YOUR TEETH WITH FLUORIDATED TOOTHPASTE TWICE A DAY
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Bacteria that cause dental decay get worse if the plaque and food debris are left on the teeth for a long time. You should brush twice a day to get rid of these bacteria and keep your teeth plaque and food debris free. Fluoride helps with strengthening and repairing teeth and prevent dental decay. Ask your dentist if you are brushing your teeth properly. Make sure you are cleaning all parts of your teeth including in-between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
HAVE A HEALTHY BALANCED DIET
As we all know food and drinks can cause dental decay. Consuming foods with sugar content is a perfect food for bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids which dissolve the enamel resulting in tooth decay. Reducing the intake of foods and drinks containing sugar can minimse the risk of dental decay.
- Avoid sugary drinks like cordials, soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks and energy drinks when thirsty.
- Avoid sweet sticky lollies, lolipops, toffees etc
We know it is not easy to avoid sugars in foods and drinks all together but try to follow healthy eating and drinking habits.
- Choose water to hydrate, unsweetened coffee or tea is another option.
- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables
- Chew sugar-free gum as it help with saliva production
Tooth decay or dental decay is preventable and can be repaired in the early stages. But once cavity forms and the decay goes through the hard enamel causing pain or sensitivity, treatment is required. Your dentist will take a x-ray of your tooth to determine the extent of decay. Sometimes fillings can be the solution but if the decay has reached the nerve and tooth is throbbing, your dentist will suggest ways to save it. The dentist will give your two options: doing a root canal treatment to save the tooth or removal of the tooth.
Seeing your Indooroopilly dentist regularly can help in detecting dental decay early, fixing it before it gets worse and save you from complex dental work.
CONTACT OUR TEAM ON 07 38783384 TO BOOK YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENT.
WE PROMISE, “A GENTLE CARING DENTAL EXPERIENCE.”