How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when you do not take proper care of your teeth. It can lead to painful toothaches, bad bath, tooth and gum problems, cavities or even more serious dental emergencies such as the need for a root canal or the removal of teeth. Fortunately, with good dental hygiene, it is more than possible to prevent tooth decay.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

There are several simple things you can do to prevent tooth decay. There are also some things you should avoid, as certain bad behaviors can contribute to plague buildup and problems with your teeth that lead to decay.

Some "dos" to avoid tooth decay include:

• Brushing at least twice a day
• Brushing for two minutes each time you brush, and attending to all areas of the mouth
• Flossing on a regular basis
• Using mouth wash
• Visiting your dentist for check-ups every six months
• Responding immediately to any dental problems with a visit to the dentist who can determine if there is an issue that needs to be addressed

Some things you should avoid which contribute to tooth decay include:

• Soda
• Candy
• Excess Sugar
• Coffee

Generally, good oral hygiene is the best defense against tooth decay. When you brush your teeth, you need to be thorough and follow the proper technique. This means attending to both the teeth and gums and brushing by holding the brush at a downward angle. Your dentist can show you exactly how best to hold your tooth brush to get maximum benefit from brushing. Many dentists also recommend you use an electronic or powered brush which can provide better brushing action. Your dentist can also provide a thorough dental cleaning on a routine office visit; generally, such visits are recommended every six months for good dental hygiene and so your dentist can help you identify any problems before they become serious.

While brushing and visiting your dentist regularly can definitely help you avoid tooth decay, you make the dentists job much more difficult if you eat a lot of sugar and sweets, which can contribute to the formation of cavities and tooth decay. Try to limit soda and candy, especially if you know you are prone to cavities. If you do eat or consume these items try to brush your teeth as soon afterward as possible to minimize the risk of increased tooth decay that results from the sugar intake.