Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
No one wants cavities. To avoid this inconvenience, protect your mouth against tooth decay and help set yourself up for a lifetime of good oral health. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay (cavities).
Cut the sugar: Sweets and other foods that contain refined sugar are more likely to create plaque, which leads to the formation of tartar and tooth decay. For people who have a sweet tooth, sugar-free gum can be a good alternative. Gum also stimulates saliva production, which serves as a natural cleansing agent for your teeth after meals.
X marks the spot: Xylitol is a natural sweetening agent that also kills plaque and prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Certain brands of gum contain xylitol, as do certain kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses.
Tea for one: Green tea and black tea both reduce the accumulation of plaque on teeth and, consequently, suppress bacteria levels in the mouth. Consider trading in your morning cup of joe for a cup of tea instead.
Brush, then eat: Brushing your teeth before breakfast removes any plaque and bacteria that built up in the mouth while you sleep. It also can protect your teeth if you drink orange juice in the morning; OJ and other acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel, and brushing your teeth within an hour after eating or drinking acidic foods can do additional, more severe damage.
Reach for your straw: You probably know that regular consumption of carbonated drinks can be bad for your teeth. If you do have a carbonated beverage, sipping it through a straw limits the amount of damage the acid in the carbonation can do to your tooth enamel. Weakened enamel increases your vulnerability to tooth decay.
Watch what you eat: Certain food choices also can break up plaque in the mouth. These include cheese, nuts, and apples. Maintaining a diet high in fiber fosters saliva production in the mouth.
These healthy snack options are much better for your teeth than crackers, candy, or chips.
Oral hygiene for the win: Of course, the best protection against tooth decay remains a comprehensive regimen of at-home oral health care. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once per day, and visit your dentist twice per year for an examination and professional cleaning.
Hamilton Dental Care is here to provide protection for your oral health. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (570) 387-0533. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients living in the areas of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.
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