Even if you are brushing your teeth twice a day every day, you can still develop cavities, your gums can still bleed, you can still get tooth decay. You may be wondering what it is that you are doing wrong. This article will tell you exactly what you should do to eliminate your dental problems.

 

What Causes Tooth Decay

In the past, it was believed that tooth decay is caused by an infestation of worms in the mouth. Some ancient people even thought that it was a punishment from God. In reality, tooth decay is caused by acids produced by oral bacteria following fermentation of sugars. When carbohydrate is consumed, the bacteria in the mouth start fermenting and producing organic acids that bite on the tooth, causing loss of structure, or cavities. Once a cavity forms in the mouth, it will continue to progress, which results in further loss of structure and damage in the tooth pulp responsible for providing nutrients to the tooth. Considering the harm tooth decay can do to your teeth, preventive measures need to be taken seriously. 

 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Everyone knows that prevention is always better than cure. The same logic also applies to your oral health as well. There are many things that you can do to prevent a range of oral diseases, including tooth decay. Here are some of the most important measures for you to take:

 

Get Regular Dental Checkups

It is very crucial that you schedule for dental check-ups regularly. As the initial cavities are so small, only a thorough checkup by a dentist can spot and hold back the decay process in its initial stage. This can be done by using materials known as pit and fissure sealants to seal the most susceptible parts.

 

Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly and Properly

While it is a common practice to brush your teeth, a few actually know how to do it properly. It is imperative that you brush your teeth twice a day, especially before you go to bed. Make sure that you use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride. Keep the brush at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of your teeth and brush in a downward motion for your upper teeth and in an upward motion for your lower ones. To put it simply, brush away from your gums. Also, be sure to clean every part and corner of your mouth as well.

 

Floss Every Day

Most people skip flossing as they think brushing their teeth is enough. However, dental floss is a great tool used to clean the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, specifically between the teeth. Wrap around twenty inches of floss around your middle finger and secure the other end with your other hand’s middle finger. Gently pass the floss in between each pair of teeth and rub it up and down.

 

Use a Mouthwash

Mouthwashes contain ingredients that can help control or minimize certain conditions such as bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay. However, they should only be used in addition to brushing and flossing, not used as a substitute. 

 

Summary

Teeth are undeniably a very important part of your body, which is why you want to do everything you can to protect them before it is too late. By keeping these preventive measures in mind, you can lower the risk of developing tooth decay and other oral diseases. Most importantly, make sure that you get regular dental checkups so that you can maintain a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.