Tooth pain and discomfort can be torture, and then having to wait for your appointment as it’s not an emergency can drive you crazy. Here are the top mouth care tips, condensed from the wide variety of articles out there to provide you with some great ways to care for your teeth and avoid the pain and discomfort associated with tooth decay and cavities.
What Are Cavities & How Are They Caused?
Cavities are small holes in the tooth’s enamel or hard surface. Also called tooth decay, they are caused by bacteria on the teeth’s surface left there from sugary foods and improper cleaning of the teeth. Many people don’t have a healthy relationship with their dentist. It will help reduce feelings of anxiety about a trip to the dentist if you know that you are doing everything you can to look after and keep your teeth in good health. Start with the tips below.
5 Tips To Protect Your Enamel & Avoid Cavities
1. Brush teeth regularly and include flossing as part of your daily teeth care routine. Use a two-minute timer or your mobile phone and do this step right. Keep the brush firm, but not too hard and floss regularly. The better you brush and floss, the less you will require your dentist or oral hygienist to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria that can cause damage to gums and teeth.
2. Use fluoride. It a common mineral found in your teeth and bones and can be used to strengthen them. It is added to the water but using a fluoride-based toothpaste has been proven to strengthen the enamel. Southgate Dental a professional oral care practice provides some great information on how to care and strengthen your teeth’s enamel.
3. See a dentist regularly. Regardless of how well you brush and floss and use the best pastes available, seeing a dentist regularly will go a long way to ensuring that your teeth stay healthy. Seeing the dentist on a regular basis will allow them to keep track of any oral issues that you may have. They will be able to monitor any cavities or small holes and fill these once they are a threat to tooth integrity.
4. Consider using a mouth wash. A fluid cleaner is able to get in between the teeth, where even floss can’t. So, using a good quality, no-alcohol mouth wash is an essential part of a good oral health routine. There is also a great selection of organic and natural mouthwashes available, be sure to see what is available out there and choose what suits your palette.
5. Drink more water than sugary drinks and eat more fruit than crisps and carbohydrate-heavy snacks. Most bacteria in the mouth are caused by sugars, either in carbonated drinks or from the highly processed carbohydrate snacks. Frequent snacking and late-night binges are the enemies of a good oral health regime. Water and healthier snacks more often than their sugary counterparts will do wonders for your overall health and protect your teeth. The water serves to rinse away harmful bacteria, keeping the mouth a great deal cleaner than had you been drinking carbonated soda.
It pays to be informed – you need to know what causes cavities and how to look after your teeth from a professional perspective. Ask your dentist as many questions as you can and read up on good dental care techniques.
