Cavities are no fun, and keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy are extremely important. Regular care of your mouth throughout your life will benefit you greatly down the line in avoiding tooth decay, tooth loss, and things like gum disease. Certain people are of course more susceptible genetically to certain mouth problems, but regardless of your genetic build up, it is extremely important to care for your teeth, gums, and entire mouth.
Unfortunately, the things many of us love, like sugary and starchy foods and drinks, can make our teeth highly susceptible to getting cavities. Children are especially at high risk for cavities as they are generally more exposed to sugary and starchy foods and drinks, as well as generally guiltier when it comes to taking proper care of their teeth. Eating and drinking sugary and starchy foods and beverages causes bacteria in our mouths that turns into acid. This then turns to plaque on our teeth that, over time, breaks down the enamel and creates small holes in our teeth… Or better known as cavities. Cavities can be painful, frustrating, and very unpleasant, and for future mouth health as well, it is important to do what you can to avoid them. So, let’s go over a few tips that you can take into account in order to prevent those cavities from ever forming.
#1 Avoid the cause of cavities
The most basic and obvious tip to avoid getting cavities, is to avoid the foods and drinks that cause them. This means avoiding or cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, like sodas and candy.
#2 Welcome teeth-healthy foods
Eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can be really healthy for your teeth. Subtract the sugary and starchy foods and drinks and add more of these into your diet.
#3 Care for your teeth
Maintain good oral hygiene. Try and brush after every meal. When you brush, it should be for about 2 minutes. Make sure you reach the brush back to clean each part of every tooth in your mouth. Remember to not brush too hard, as this can harm your gums. Use up and down strokes as well as circular ones. Oh, and don’t brush your teeth more than three times a day, as this can actually damage the enamel of your teeth. We know you know, but flossing is also extremely important. Make sure to floss at least once a day. Don’t forget to swish with some mouthwash after brushing (preferably one that contains fluoride and a low percentage of chlorhexidine (0.02%). Do this for about 10 to 15 seconds.
Side note: We know it can be difficult to try and get your kids to be patient enough to do this, so try putting on one of their favorite songs that runs for about two minutes in order to get them a bit more exciting about brushing their teeth. You can even try this out for yourself to make brushing more fun!
#4 Visit the tooth expert
One of the most important steps to follow, is to regularly visit your dentist, as well as take your kids to their pediatric dentist in Irving regularly too. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the best hygiene tips suited for you and your mouth, or, your child and theirs. It’s important to note that children’s teeth are prone to decay faster than adults, so you should be taking them to the dentist every six months to a year. Especially after your child reaches about six years of age whenever their permanent teeth begin growing.
If you are looking for a great child dentist in Irving, here at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we can be of assistance. Our team of caring teeth experts are passionate about you and your family’s oral health. Contact us today, so we can help to keep you and your family smiling.
