Cavities can severely damage your mouth and your smile.
You might not think about your oral health all the time. However, ignoring the state of your mouth can have serious health consequences. Cavities represent one of the most common dental problems that many Americans have.
The good news is that cavities are relatively easy to prevent and treat. Even if you already have cavities, you can still fix your mouth in time.
Read on to learn more about how to prevent cavities from getting worse.
Table of Contents
Brush Carefully
The key to brushing carefully is to spend at least two minutes brushing both the top and bottom teeth and using gentle strokes. Don’t forget to brush the teeth’ front, back, and chewing surfaces. These soft yet thorough brush strokes should remove plaque or food particles from the teeth and gums.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is just as important as practicing good oral hygiene. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush away food particles stuck between your teeth and also helps to neutralize the acids present in your mouth, which can cause cavities.
Water also helps to prevent the development of plaque, which leads to tooth decay. It is also smart to limit the amount of sugary drinks and snacks in your diet, as these can ultimately lead to cavities.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth, and when incorporated into dental products and cavity treatment, it can help to protect against cavities and decay.
When fluoride is applied to teeth, it works by attaching to the surface of the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attack. Since cavities form when bacteria in the mouth combine with acid to erode tooth enamel, fluoride helps to neutralize these acid attacks and slow the formation of cavities.
Rinse With Salt Water
The bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities can be disrupted with salt water, so swishing it around the affected area is essential. The saltwater creates an environment that kills the bacteria and helps prevent the cavities from worsening. Swishing salt water for 1-2 minutes is best, then spitting it out.
Avoid Refined Sugars
Refined sugars are stripped of their natural nutrients and are more difficult for the body to digest. This means that particles of sugar left in the mouth create an environment that encourages bacteria to thrive and produce acids that can damage tooth enamel.
Avoiding products with refined sugar can include avoiding processed foods such as cake, cookies, candy, sodas, and any other product that lists sugar as one of its main ingredients.
Consult a Family Dentist
Regular checkups and cleanings with a family dentist are the best way to stay on top of dental issues. The family dentist can examine the mouth to see any existing cavities and suggest ways to curb their development.
Additionally, family dentists can provide preventative options such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and dietary advice for improving oral health.
Explore How to Prevent Cavities From Getting Worse
How to prevent cavities from getting worse? Brushing twice daily, flossing, gargling, using mouthwash regularly, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to prevent cavities from worsening.
Make healthy dental choices regularly to maintain healthy cavity-free oral hygiene! Try it today!
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