Preventing dental diseases and conditions like tooth decay starts at home. Preventive measures that help protect your teeth and the natural, beautiful qualities of your smile is part of a good oral care plan. A preventative maintenance program serves to avert the onset, progress, and recurrence of various dental diseases and conditions. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong doesn’t have to be a challenge. Understanding the factors that can keep your teeth healthy is the best way to keep you proactive with your dental health.
So let’s first understand the anatomy of your teeth. The hard, outer layer of your teeth is your tooth enamel. The dentin is the hard, dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel. The pulp in the center of the tooth is made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and large nerves. The destruction of your tooth enamel and dentin is called tooth decay. Tooth decay affects everyone at any age.
Plaque, is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. Sugary foods and drinks promote bacteria in plaque which produces acids that attack your tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down and that’s when cavities form.
Cavities can form at any time but are most common amongst children. One huge myth is that people can’t feel cavities. A majority of the time, you can’t feel decay, even when it is so large that it is already in the pulp of the tooth. That’s an important reason why it’s so important to have a routine dental check-up. If you’re over the age of 50 tooth decay can be more common because many older adults lacked the modern benefits of fluoridation and preventive and routine dental care.
Whether you’re young or old these tips can help you prevent tooth decay and help you avoid serious and costly dental problems. The road to a healthy and confident smile starts with these 5 tips:
Our 5 Top Tips to Help Prevent Tooth Decay
- Brush Your Teeth Daily
Take time to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste - Floss Your Teeth Daily:
Floss your teeth daily to clean hard to reach areas between your teeth - Eat Healthy Foods:
Eat well. That means fresh, nutritious and balanced meals low in sugar with limited snacking - Strengthen and Protect Your Teeth:
Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride and dental sealants that can help strengthen and protect your teeth - Visit Your Dentist Regularly:
Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for professional and routine cleanings and oral examinations
If you think you may have tooth decay or would like to become more proactive about oral disease prevention call or email us today and schedule an oral exam with Dr. Bakhtyari or a hygiene appointment with one of our expert hygienists. Together we can ensure you have the most healthy and beautiful smile possible!