If you're not among the 74.5% of Canadians who regularly meet with a dentist, it's time to join their ranks. After all, 1 in 3 people across the nation has untreated dental needs.
However, you also will need to avoid cavities between visits. This means taking necessary measures to maintain healthy teeth. Read on for 3 cavity prevention tips that will keep your smile shining.
1. Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
Everyone knows that brushing and flossing twice a day is important. However, many people don't know how to brush in the correct way. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure for the best results.
Then:
- Angle your teeth at 45 degrees against the gum line
- Move the brush in tooth-wide strokes across both the inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Move up and down across the front of the teeth to keep their exterior pearly white (circular strokes are ideal for removing all plaque evenly)
- Brush your tongue in small circular motions
Make sure that you buy a fresh brush every 3 months or so. You don't want to be using a dirty and bacteria-ridden toothbrush.
Mouthwash is a great way to keep your teeth strong and your breath smelling great as well. Get something packed with fluoride and fresh-scented.
2. Eat and Drink Healthy
Studies show that eating sugar causes tooth decay in both children and adults. Both sugar and acidic drinks like coffee increase the risk of cavities when consumed too much. While everything is fine in moderation, prolonged exposure can cause rot and decay.
Instead, drink more water to keep your teeth healthy and protected. It also has other physical health effects like better hydration! Water rinses your mouth of pre-existing sugars and bacteria as well so that it doesn't set in your mouth and cause decay.
Fruits are a good alternative to refined sugar. They can satisfy your sweet tooth in a completely natural way. The vitamins and minerals from the fruit can also strengthen your teeth (and other bones), so there are no downsides.
3. Take a Cavity Risk Assessment
Some people are more prone to cavities than others. There are a lot of factors going into this risk level including diet, lifestyle, frequency of flossing, age, past medical issues, and other health concerns.
You can find out how at-risk you are by taking an online cavity risk assessment. These use scientific concepts and findings to determine how likely you are to get future cavities. You then will know how worried you need to be so that you can come up with a plan of action.
Regardless of how at-risk you are, it's a good idea to take your results to a dentist. Ask them how you can reduce your likelihood of cavities and get a professional cleaning.
Avoid Cavities With Professional Care
Now that you know some easy ways to avoid cavities, it's time to make sure that you don't have any pre-existing ones. Our dental experts are excited to help you promote dental health and keep your smile bright. Contact us today to become a new patient and schedule your first appointment with our lead dentist.