Portrait of a happy and attractive young woman brushing her teeth
You should always brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss if you can. Fluoride toothpastes and soft bristles are recommended. They gently scrape away bacteria and protect the enamel. It is also important to floss frequently, since dental hygienists can tell if you’re not brushing all of your teeth. You don’t have to floss the entire mouth, however.
Try to limit your intake of acidic or sugary foods and drinks. Sugary foods can cause cavities, especially when they’re not rinsed properly. Drinking water after eating and drinking fruit juices or sodas can help keep the mouth moist. Also, try to limit your coffee consumption to no more than 20 minutes and make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward. You can also use artificial saliva.
Foods high in sugar are a big factor in cavities. Sugary candies stick to the teeth and feed the bacteria in your mouth. Citrus juices and fruits have acidic compounds that wear away tooth enamel. Besides sugary drinks, you should try to eat more fiber-rich foods and drink fluoridated tap water. These foods will help in the production of saliva. In addition, drinking plenty of fluoridated water can help you keep your teeth healthy.
The most important part of tooth care takes place at home. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent cavities and gum disease. While dental checkups are important, most people don’t look forward to the dentist’s drill, but it’s better to prevent cavities than treat them once they’re present. With that in mind, here are some tips to prevent cavities in hard-to-brush areas:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss after every meal, and use an electric toothbrush for best results. By brushing your teeth properly, you remove plaque and food debris from your teeth, but you need to make sure you clean the hard-to-brush areas between the teeth as well. Otherwise, food debris will remain trapped between the teeth and under your gums, contributing to tooth decay.
Brushing your teeth thoroughly should take at least two minutes a day. Even if you’re diligent in brushing, you may still end up with cavities, especially if you don’t brush thoroughly. While brushing your teeth, you’re brushing the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth — the spaces between the teeth and gaps between them. A two-minute brushing session is sufficient to remove plaque, but sometimes you’ll have to extend it to avoid problems like gum inflammation and dental decay.
