Dental

Good dental hygiene is needed to prevent cavities. Some dentists recommend brushing and flossing after each meal. Others encourage patients to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Brushing should be done gently, as rough brushing can damage the tooth enamel and cause other problems. Toothpaste should contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth against cavities. Flossing should also be done with care. Many people either skip this step or rush through it, making it ineffective. After brushing and flossing, a good mouthwash should be used.

There are many other ways to avoid cavities. Avoiding sugary drinks is necessary, as they leave residue on the teeth that can lead to decay. Foods high in carbohydrates and sticky foods like peanut butter should be avoided as well, as these tend to leave more bacteria in the mouth. If these types of foods are consumed, water should be drank immediately afterwards to help rinse out the mouth. Tap water is preferable to bottled, as it usually contains fluoride that bottled water does not. Using a water pick, which shoots a stream of water between the teeth, will help remove food stuck on teeth. Because many people do not like to carry a toothbrush and floss with them, sugar free gum may be helpful in removing bacteria from teeth.

It is also important to have a regular dental checkup every 6 months to get teeth professionally cleaned and have a thorough examination by the dentist. The dental hygienist will normally schedule the next 6-month appointment at the checkup so that patients will not need to remember to do it later. If a cavity is discovered, the dentist will fill it before it becomes problematic. The cleaning will help to remove built up plaque and calculus from the teeth. The dental hygienist may also apply a fluoride treatment, usually to kids. Children and teenagers also may have a dental sealant applied to surfaces, which are more likely to get cavities. Regardless of how well a person works to prevent cavities, some people are more prone to cavities than others. Maintaining regular dental checkups can reduce the number of cavities and keep teeth healthy and attractive.

So there you have it; very simple steps that can prevent those dreaded and costly visits to the dentist for repair work on your teeth.