subject: How To Avoid Tooth Decay And Cavities [print this page] For all of your life, no doubt you have been bombarded with messages from your dentist and school detailing the importance of avoiding tooth decay. Although some people tend to ignore these suggestions, keeping up with your daily oral care to prevent tooth decay is extremely important. In addition to avoiding cavities, practicing good oral health will lead to prevention of more serious and costly dental problems. Developing good oral health habits will help both your dental and overall health and make you feel better in general.
Daily Habits To Keep
To maintain good oral health, there are a few things that you must do every day. Brushing is extremely important to remove plaque from your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if left untreated on your teeth for too long. You need to brush at least twice a day, preferably after meals to clean your teeth from any food. When you brush, it is important to do so for at least two minutes and to pay attention to hard to reach areas. Many dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush with a timer to make sure you are brushing for the necessary amount of time. In addition to brushing, it is important to floss once per day. When you brush, you are unable to reach the areas in between your teeth where plaque tends to build up. The only way to effectively remove this plaque is through flossing.
Change Your Lifestyle
One of the best ways you can keep good oral health is by eating a balanced diet. By eating a variety of foods and avoiding foods high in sugar and starch, you will expose your teeth to less plaque and reduce your chance for tooth decay. In addition to benefits in terms of your oral health, eating a balanced diet is crucial to your overall health. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, quitting can greatly benefit your oral health. Tobacco use greatly increases your risk of oral cancer, discolors your teeth and can contribute to other problems with your teeth. Quitting smoking also is extremely beneficial for your overall health.
Potential Problems Of Bad Oral Health
Generally people associate tooth decay with cavities. Although cavities occur when tooth decay is present, the real worry is what cavities can lead to. If decay is severe enough, it can penetrate through your tooth and lead to an infection of your tooth's nerve and pulp. When this happens, you will need to undergo a root canal procedure to fix the problem. Bad oral health can also lead to periodontal (gum) disease. The same plaque that builds up on your teeth can cause problems for your gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause major damage to your mouth and in some cases dentures are the only option for treatment.
To learn more about how you can take care of your oral health and avoid cavities and more serious problems, contact your Pembroke Pines dentist today.
