Tooth decay is painful, embarrassing and mostly preventable. Along with twice yearly check-ups with your Family Dentist in Morris Plains, here are steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss.
Drink Water
Choose to drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda, lemonade or fruit punch. This not only helps you stay regular and is filling, but fluoridated water helps protect teeth from cavities. Have a water test to see if your tap water is safe to drink or if you need a water filter. Bottled water is basically filtered tap water.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Here’s yet another reason to eat a healthy diet containing a wide variety of foods. The body is better able to absorb nutrients from food than from most nutritional supplements like vitamin pills. Eating calcium-rich foods helps protect your bones and your teeth. Ask your Dentist Morris Plains about adding more calcium-rich and tooth-friendly foods to your diet.
Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth after having breakfast or lunch and again before you go to sleep. Also try to brush after eating sticky foods. Make sure you let at least 20 minutes pass after brushing before you eat or drink anything. If you have sensitive teeth, use soft bristled toothbrushes. In an ideal world, you would brush after every meal or snack, but this option is not practical for most people.
Floss Daily
Get in the habit of flossing at least once a day. This helps remove food particles in between teeth that brushes cannot reach. If the food particles are ignored, they grow bacteria which cause cavities and tooth decay. You can substitute interdental cleaners for conventional floss.
Change Toothbrushes Often
Old toothbrushes not only grow bacteria but are not as effective at removing plaque and bacteria like new toothbrushes. Always replace your toothbrushes when the bristles start to splay out.
Quit Smoking
Not only will tobacco smoke damage your body and increase your risk of cancer, but it turns your teeth yellow. Constant exposure to tobacco smoke or chewing tobacco raises your risk of tooth decay, mouth sores and oral cancer.
