Despite what some products might tell you, there is no “magic bullet” allowing you to know how to prevent tooth decay. As long as we eat foods that contain sugars and other carbohydrates, those sugars will be broken down by bacteria, and the results will be plaque. And when you don’t remove that plaque, it can quickly turn to tartar, which eventually causes decay. The good news, however, is that with a little bit of forethought, you can avoid the dangers of tooth decay altogether. All it takes is a little bit of attention and some good oral hygiene habits.
At Lovett Dental’s general dentistry Beaumont TX, we have made it our mission not only to give folks the tools they need to fight tooth decay. It’s also our goal to provide them with the education they need to have happy, healthy mouths and a lifelong plan for good oral hygiene. If you have been asking yourself how to prevent tooth decay, here are some tips that will help, now and in the future.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
The problem with how to prevent tooth decay is that the effort you make can feel like it’s wasted. In other words, because the result of good oral hygiene is that nothing bad happens, it can sometimes seem like it’s not worth the energy. Of course, the exact opposite is true — any steps you take to ensure your oral health will pay off in the future. Here are some essential tips for how to prevent tooth decay naturally:
- Eat balanced meals, full of fruits and vegetables. This tip may not seem directly applicable to tooth decay prevention, but the fact of the matter is that it does make a difference. A diet high in carbs results in more foods sticking to the surface of the teeth, which results in more tooth decay and more cavities. Additionally, one of the best ways to ensure you have a healthy mouth is to have a healthy body!
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean between your teeth with dental floss or another kind of interdental cleaner at least once a day. The cause of tooth decay is food that sits on and between the teeth being broken down by bacteria. It only follows that tooth decay prevention would center on getting rid of that food.
- Make regular visits for teeth cleanings and check-ups to an experienced dentist like the team at Lovett Dental in Beaumont, TX. Dentists can do more than advise you on tooth care. They can also help maintain your teeth with more intensive cleanings, and monitor your tooth decay as it develops. If they catch a problem early enough, they can make sure it doesn’t develop into a cavity, or worse.
Reach Out Today
These are, of course, the very basics in terms of how to prevent tooth decay naturally. If you and your doctor decide you need to take a more aggressive approach, like fluoride treatments or dental sealants, that’s a decision you can make together.
Tooth decay prevention is within your reach. If you or someone you love is worried about how to prevent tooth decay, contact Lovett Dental Beaumont today, by calling 409-924-8100. Your smile will thank you for it!
