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How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Dental cavities are the most common disease in the world. In the US alone, over 90% of people have had one cavity or more at least once in their life. Under normal circumstances, the primary teeth and permanent teeth grow healthy from the jaw. Over time, poor care and improper eating habits often lead to tooth decay. Cavities can be favored by hereditary factors, but it is not a disease that is generally inheritable. This means the right measures to prevent tooth decay can prevent the disease.

Measures to protect against tooth decay

The best ways to prevent tooth decay are to brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly and to avoid acidic and sugary foods. You should also use drinks such as lemonade, soft drinks, and energy drinks sparingly, as these often contain aggressive acid and a lot of hidden sugar. Honey also consists mainly of sugar and should be used in moderation. Sugar is the food source of bacteria that create cavities. Drink lots of unsweetened teas and water, which stimulates the flow of saliva and inhibits the development of bacteria.

Brushing twice a day

Brush your teeth thoroughly for at least 3 minutes at least twice a day. It is best to do so when you get up in the morning and before going to bed in the evening. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after you have eaten something, this can attack the enamel. In addition to the toothbrush, use dental floss and interdental brushes to thoroughly remove plaque in the interdental spaces and on the gumline. Make sure that your teeth are fluoridated regularly, for example by using toothpaste or tooth gels containing fluoride. Antibacterial mouthwashes can be used as a supplement to daily oral hygiene.

Avoid smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products

The nicotine tobacco contains is deposited on the teeth and also inhibits saliva production, which, in turn, favors the establishment of bacteria in the mouth and inhibits the mouth's natural defense mechanisms. If you quit smoking, you significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. Finding a reputable Dentist Near Me can help you achieve this.

Go to the dentist regularly

Tooth decay can be recognized at an early stage and treated and cured in time. Complement your checkup appointment with professional dental cleaning at your dentist. Here, dental plaque and tartar are removed professionally, even in places that are difficult to reach and represent a risk factor. After a thorough cleaning, the teeth are polished with fluoride, which protects particularly well against cavities. Many health insurance companies offer free or low-cost dental checkups.

Preventing tooth decay in children

Regular dental care and the avoidance of acidic and sugar-containing foods and drinks also apply to babies and children. Even the first tooth should be cared for in the same way as the permanent teeth to successfully prevent tooth decay diseases in the long term. As soon as the first permanent teeth come, it is worth considering a tooth seal. When sealing, cavity-prone grooves and fissures are sealed with a plastic coating, so that the deposition of bacteria is no longer possible. Here too, the health insurance companies offer to cover the costs up to a certain amount and certain age of the child.

Anyone who integrates regular oral care and healthy eating into their everyday life and who follows preventive care and other measures have the best prevention against tooth decay. Ask your dentist about the best toothbrushes and pastes.