5 Methods For Preventing Tooth Decay

Oral hygiene is a vital health aspect for every infant, teen or adult. The importance of practising good oral hygiene tips is more pronounced in the USA, where at least 1 in 4 adults has untreated cavities. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing dental plaque and maintaining a healthy mouth.

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth decay, commonly referred to as cavities, and gum disease.

Tooth decay is caused by different factors in different people. In children, the most common cause of tooth decay is the ingestion of sugary substances without brushing their teeth well. On the other hand, for adults, the causes of tooth decay are numerous.

The causes include mouth bacteria, taking sugary drinks and foods, regular snacking, etc.

Tooth decay is among the most common health concerns globally. This is why medical practitioners are working to counter its occurrence. Modern medicine is also at the forefront in the establishment of effective ways to prevent tooth decay.

To aid in the prevention of tooth decay, SelenBio Dental offers dental sealants using modern medical technologies that have now entered the market.

The numerous cases of tooth decay create a necessity to work on preventing tooth decay or cavities in infants, children, teens, or adults. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for preventing tooth decay and maintaining good oral health.

Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay:

1. Regular brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste

Fluoride is a common compound known to prevent tooth decay. This is the reason why most toothpaste found in the market is fluoride-based. When looking to prevent tooth decay, the most basic and effective way is to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

The brushing sessions should be done after meals and before sleeping. Brushing after meals helps remove plaque and food debris from the surface of your teeth. The food debris removed is what causes acid release when it interacts with the mouth bacteria. This is what causes tooth decay.

Brushing your teeth before going to sleep helps clear all debris that might have accumulated on the teeth. It is important to brush before sleeping because the mouth does not produce as much saliva when one is asleep. This makes the mouth a great place for the breeding of bacteria overnight while feeding on the debris, which can cause tooth decay.

When brushing your teeth, be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth. This means that you should ensure you cover the tops, sides, and backs.

The recommended time to take when brushing your teeth is at least two minutes. Regular brushing should be the first thing to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine when looking to prevent tooth decay.

2. Dental sealants

In most cases, tooth decay starts on the grooves and crannies of teeth. This is because the food and other particles easily accumulate on these grooves, creating good habitat for the growth of bacteria. This happens mostly in the rear teeth.

Dental sealants are used to prevent tooth decay on the premolars and molars. A dental sealant is a protective coating applied by dentists on the surface of the back teeth. Dental sealants are made of a plastic compound.

The use of dental sealants effectively protects the tooth enamel. Further, the sealant helps ensure that food particles and bacteria do not collect on the depressions on tooth surfaces.

Installation of dental sealants should be done by certified dental health care providers. This helps ensure that their functionality is not compromised due to improper installations.

In some cases, one can also get cheap dental sealants installed. This is why it is advisable to request the installation of dental sealants from SelenBio Dental, which feature Seldox technology.

3. Reducing intake of sugary foods & drinks

Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Sugar acts as an energy source for bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in the mouth metabolize the sugars when using them as an energy source and produce acid. The acid produced when bacteria metabolize sugar demineralizes the dentine and enamel. This acid attack on the hard tooth tissues causes tooth decay.

With the effects of sugar on dental hygiene highlighted, one must reduce their sugar intake. Reducing the sugar intake helps ensure no sugar accumulated in the mouth can be metabolized by the bacteria.

When limiting sugar intake, the basic actions include avoiding candy, cookies, and other pastries, soda, and fruit juice. As a substitute for sugary snacks, one can opt to go for healthier snacks and drinks that have lower or zero sugar content.

These include fruits, unsweetened tea and coffee, and vegetables.

4. Antibacterial treatments

As already discussed, bacteria in the mouth are behind cases of tooth decay. For some people, regular remedies for preventing tooth decay can work effectively.

However, in some cases, a person can be more vulnerable to tooth decay. This is caused by certain medical conditions that predispose one to more bacteria in the mouth.

People with such conditions are advised to visit the dentist. At the dentist, they are given prescriptions for antibacterial treatments. The antibacterial treatments are mostly through mouth rinses.

The antibacterial treatments help reduce the number of bacteria in one’s mouth. This reduces their vulnerability to tooth decay.

5. Regular dental checkups

Regular visits to your dentist are an important part when preventing tooth decay. Your dentist can identify potential problems and provide treatment before they become serious.

Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist. Visits to the dentist are vital for maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health. Be sure to brush and use mouthwash regularly. If possible, go for a dental sealant to keep your rear teeth safe and clear from tooth decay.

You should also limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. By taking good care of your teeth, you can enjoy a healthy smile for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of your teeth.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is damage to the enamel or tooth’s surface caused by corrosive acids.

Can tooth decay be prevented?

Yes. Tooth decay is easily preventable. The easiest way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing your teeth regularly. In addition, you can also use dental sealants, reduce your intake of sugary foods and get an antibacterial treatment from your dentist –– all of these help prevent tooth decay.

Must I reduce my sugar intake to prevent tooth decay?

Yes. Reduction of one’s sugar intake is vital to prevent tooth decay. To make it easier, the sugar intake reduction can be done gradually while replacing the substances with artificial sugars with others that have natural sugars, such as fruits.

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Tags: Oral Health, Oral Care, Dentistry, Guest Post