Taking care of our teeth is one of the most important responsibilities we have as adults, particularly because we only have one set of teeth as adults. Without proper maintenance and dental hygiene, teeth can develop plaque and cavities that can eventually lead to tooth decay if not managed promptly. Thankfully, dentists have suggested a number of ways for preventing tooth decay from happening, and this article will take a look at a few of those tips.
- Visit the Family Dentist at Least Twice a Year: One tip for preventing tooth decay is to visit the family dentist at least twice a year, or about every six months. These routine visits allow a dentist to examine your teeth, check for any problems, and give all of your teeth a thorough cleaning to prevent plaque from building up and causing damage. These visits can also monitor the development of any cavities via X-rays, allowing the dentist to keep track of them and take care of them if they get too severe.
- Brush and Floss Your Teeth Every Day: Another tip for preventing tooth decay is to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. This is one of the most basic tenets for dental hygiene, as brushing and flossing keeps your teeth clean and removes particles that could form the basis of plaque and other dental issues. There are a number of toothpastes that are designed to help with teeth whitening and cavity prevention, so you can choose one that works best for you. You can also supplement this regimen with mouthwash, though that is not a requirement.
- Avoid Drinking Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks: And finally, a third tip for preventing tooth decay is to avoid drinking sports drinks and energy drinks whenever possible. Some beverages are simply not good for the enamel of your teeth, and these drinks fall into that category. As much as sports drinks are harmful to your teeth, researchers found that exposure to energy drinks such as Rockstar, Monster®, and Red Bull® resulted in twice as much enamel loss as exposure to sports drinks such as Powerade®, Gatorade®, and Propel® (3.1 percent to 1.5 percent). Avoiding these drinks can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your tooth enamel, and by extension can help the overall health of your teeth.
In conclusion, there are several tips recommended by dentists for preventing tooth decay. These tips include visiting the family dentist at least twice a year, brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and avoiding sports drinks and energy drinks. These are just a few of the tips that are recommended for those who wish to prevent the onset of tooth decay in their teeth.