How to Prevent Tooth Decay and Cavities

• Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss Daily: Floss to remove food bits and plaque between your teeth.
• Pro Tip: Try to wait about 30 minutes after eating before you brush. This gives the acid level in your mouth time to balance out. This level is called pH. Big changes in pH can weaken teeth. Toothpaste is basic, which is the opposite of acidic. Most foods are acidic. If you wait 30 minutes, your saliva slowly brings the pH back to normal.

• Fluoride Toothpaste: It makes your tooth enamel stronger and helps stop decay.
• Fluoride Treatments: You are welcome to ask your dentist about professional fluoride treatments, such as fluoride varnish.
• Now You Know: Fluoride is a very good way to stop cavities. It makes your teeth stronger. It helps them fight demineralization. That is when teeth lose minerals. This lowers your risk of cavities.

• Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks: Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Acid pulls minerals out of your teeth. This is called demineralization. It raises the risk of cavities.
• Eat Nutritious Foods: Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains.
• Pro Tip: How long sugary and acidic foods stay in your mouth matters more than how much you eat. Eating a lot in a short time is much better than eating small amounts all day long.

• Fluoridated Water: Helps strengthen your teeth and rinse away food particles.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water after meals can help wash away sugar and acids.

• Professional Cleanings: Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar that you can't reach at home.
• Early Detection: Regular visits let your dentist find decay early. Then it can be treated early. This lowers the chance you will need bigger work. That work includes Root Canals, Crowns, Extractions or Implants.

• Protective Coating: You are welcome to ask your dentist about sealants, mainly for children. A sealant covers the grooves and pits that form naturally on your teeth. This stops bacteria from gathering there. Left alone, bacteria can group together in these narrow spaces. They are hard to clean out. This raises the risk of cavities.

• No Smoking: Smoking and using tobacco can raise your risk of cavities and gum disease. Smoking products often take oxygen out of your mouth. This can kill the blood vessels in your gums. It can lead to gum recession, which is when gums pull back. It can also lead to gingivitis and gum disease (periodontitis).

• Stimulate Saliva Production: Try chewing sugar-free gum after meals. It can help cancel out acids and wash away food bits.

If you follow these tips, you can lower your risk of tooth decay and cavities. You will have a healthier smile. If you have any worries or want advice made for you, please reach out to us at Carlton Dental.