Here at New Wave Dental Smiles, we are committed to creating healthy smiles that will last a lifetime, through a variety of expert dental services for patients of all ages. Dr. Bajwa and his team strive to educate our patients on how to care for their teeth and gums so that they can achieve optimal oral health. That’s why we’re pleased to provide the following tips and information on cavity prevention.
The High Cost of Cavities
If you neglect to care for your teeth and gums, you leave yourself vulnerable to a host of problems, from terrible pain and toothaches to tooth decay and tooth loss. Tooth decay is an infectious disease that can compromise not just your oral health—but also your health overall. And if you ignore signs of tooth decay, you may end up losing one or more teeth. So, what can you do to prevent this? Read below for cavity prevention tips.
Brush, Brush, Brush
It’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, keeping them free of bacteria, plaque and food particles that accumulate throughout the day. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Use a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth, and that has soft bristles. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes each time, and use gentle strokes to clean the front and back surfaces of your top and bottom teeth. Floss between each set of teeth daily to remove food and bacteria.
Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks
Almost everyone knows that sugar causes cavities. That’s why it’s important to keep your sugar intake to a minimum. While you don’t have to cut out sweets completely, be sure to enjoy it in moderation and avoid prolonged contact with the teeth. Avoid drinking sodas and other beverages with high sugar content. Not only is soda full of sugar, but it’s also acidic—which can cause your tooth enamel to wear down over time. Sticky sweets like caramels and chewy candies can get stuck in your teeth, so be sure to brush and floss after consuming these kinds of treats. If you don’t have the ability to brush and floss give your mouth a good swish with water, that’s better than doing nothing!
Drink More Water
Water increases saliva content which helps keep your mouth clean. It also washes away leftover food and residue and dilutes acid that can wear away your tooth enamel. Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated and keeps your mouth at its healthiest. Many people have a hard time drinking plain water, so mix it up by making your water fun. Drop some fresh fruits like oranges or strawberries into your water to give it a fresh, fruity flavor. You can even add in fresh herbs like mint or basil for even more delicious flavor. Invest in a water bottle that you enjoy and can take with you throughout the day.
Contact Your West Seattle Dentist Today!
At New Wave Dental Smiles, we proudly specialize in a variety of dental treatments to keep your smile sparkling and healthy. If you have any questions about cavities, tooth decay, or anything related to dental treatment, we encourage you to contact us. And be sure to schedule an appointment with your West Seattle dentist for a professional cleaning to keep those teeth and gums cavity free. We can’t wait to see you soon!
