Tooth decay is an issue that will cause damage to your teeth over time. The longer you wait to clean your teeth and treat your cavities, the worse the tooth decay will get. It doesn’t happen suddenly, but rather, it’s the result of neglect. Each day, more and more bacteria can build up and wear away at your teeth. Stopping tooth decay is also a matter of working in small increments. There isn’t one big treatment you can do to prevent tooth decay, but establishing strong daily habits can benefit your teeth.

Make Sure You Brush and Floss on a Daily Basis

Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis are the most important steps that you can take to prevent tooth decay. If you aren’t already brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily (and really sticking to those practices), you need to start. Brushing your teeth mechanically removes bacteria that have built up on surfaces. The longer bacteria grow uninterrupted, the more difficult they become to remove from your teeth. Brushing and flossing with the intent to reach every surface in your mouth will reduce the threat posed by tooth decay.

Eliminate Tobacco Products from Your Routine

There are also daily habits you can eliminate to protect your teeth. Tobacco products increase your risk for oral cancer and gum disease. These products also leave nasty residues that tint the color of your teeth. Tobacco is obviously a very addictive product, and you may have tried to wean yourself off of it before. Getting rid of this habit has a number of health benefits within the world of dentistry and for your overall health. Do what you can to stay away from tobacco products.

Rinse Your Mouth with Water After Meals and Drinks

If you are susceptible to cavity formation, you may want to consider brushing additional times throughout the day. Brushing lightly after meals can remove food residue and prevent bacteria from thriving. If you’re not in a position to brush your teeth in the middle of the day, you can at least rinse your mouth out with water after eating. This is a good way to get more food off the surfaces of your teeth. It can also be helpful if you’re trying to keep your teeth whiter. Pigment from the food you eat builds up and penetrates your enamel. Rinsing with water reduces this absorption.

ABOUT YOUR SPRINGFIELD, OH DENTIST:

Dr. Afshan Ahmed and the team at North Spring Dental welcome you and your family to a different kind of dental care experience. Our practice is one in which you can rest assured that you will enjoy a relaxing, personalized visit. To find out more about our comprehensive general, orthodontic, and family dentistry services, call our dental office in Springfield, OH today at 937-399-3800.