Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Protecting your teeth from cavities really isn’t as difficult as you might think.

With the fact that almost everyone will deal with decay at some point during their lifetime you may think there’s nothing you can do, but that’s absolutely false. In fact, decay and gum disease are two common but completely preventable problems and preventing them starts with you. Of course, visiting our Springfield, MO, family dentist Dr. Joshua Montgomery every six months will also go a long way to protecting your smile. In the meantime, here are some surprisingly simple everyday habits you can adopt to reduce your risk for decay,

Brush Your Teeth

This might seem like an obvious habit but if you aren’t brushing twice a day then you aren’t giving your teeth and gums the comprehensive daily cleaning they need to get rid of plaque and germs. Make sure you are brushing your teeth once in the morning and again at night with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, make sure to replace your toothbrush head as soon as the bristles start to look frazzled and worn.

Flossing is Key

Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you choose not to floss every day, there is a significant amount of your teeth’s surfaces that aren’t getting a thorough and proper cleaning. Not flossing daily could lead to cavities between teeth and gum disease.

Follow a Nutritious Diet

By now you’ve probably heard your Springfield, MO, dentist tell you that if you want to keep a healthy smile that you need to limit sweets and processed foods (e.g. white bread; pastas). What you eat can help provide your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. This means consuming a lot of fibrous veggies, some fruits, lean protein (e.g. fish; lentils) and whole grains. Not sure whether your diet is up to snuff? Don’t hesitate to talk with our dental team for advice and recommendations.

Limit Snacking

While snacking may be a normal part of your routine, you will want to cut back on how many snacks you and your family consume. Limiting snacking to about two times a day can greatly reduce plaque buildup, a major cause of tooth decay. If you are prone to cavities it’s particularly important that you limit the number of snacks you consume per day (or, at the very least, brush your teeth immediately after).

Whether you have questions about your current at-home dental routine or you’re experiencing a toothache, our dentist can answer your questions, provide advice and get you into our Springfield, MO, dental office for emergency care. Call us today at (417) 883-2111.