You know that sugary foods and beverages cause cavities, but many of us still have quite a craving for them daily. However, just because you like sweets doesn’t mean you should put up with a mouthful of cavities and new fillings every six months. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of tooth decay in the future. Continue reading to learn helpful tips to prevent cavities from your dentist in Waverly.
Keep Dental Tools with You
If you’re always on the go and aren’t constantly around your bathroom at home, you could benefit from carrying a portable toothbrush with you. Whenever you have a sugary dessert or candy, take some time to head to the restroom and give your teeth a quick brushing. This way, you can remove the sugar that is lingering on them after you indulge. You can find some travel-sized toothpaste that can stay in your purse or car as well.
Purchase a New Toothbrush
People who like to consume sweets regularly are generally at higher risk of plaque buildup than those who do not. Because of this, you could benefit from toothbrushes that are especially effective at removing plaque. Try to find a toothbrush with triple-action brushes and a diamond-shaped head so you can clean hard-to-reach places in the mouth more easily.
Use Mouthwash
If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to introduce a mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. Try choosing one that contains fluoride. This natural mineral is effective at protecting the enamel of your teeth. However, if mouthwash isn’t available, you could still benefit from swishing plain water around your mouth.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
After you eat something sugary, try chewing on a piece of sugarless gum. This will help to clean away the sugar left behind on your teeth because gum increases your saliva production in the mouth, washing food particles away.
Pick Your Sweets Carefully
Fruit is a great option when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, but if you’d rather have something else, you should still be mindful. For instance, choosing a piece of chocolate that will melt away quickly is a better option than having a sticky caramel that will adhere to your teeth for a long time. When choosing your sugary treat, steer away from ones that are particularly sticky, acidic, or hard.
Even though your teeth would benefit from cutting out sugar, there are other steps you can take to keep them in good shape. By using the tips above and continuing to see your dentist in Waverly for regular cleanings and checkups, you will stand a better chance of achieving excellent oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Smiley strives to foster an atmosphere of trust and comfort in his dental practice where each patient receives quality care and education on how they can achieve optimal oral health for many years to come. Dr. Smiley jokes that his last name left him no other professional choice. His favorite part about dentistry is to help people heal from the issues they seek help for and to see them feel better after treatment. Dr. Smiley knows it can be tough to avoid sweets, but these tips can help your teeth and so can he via a dental cleaning and exam. You can schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (319) 352-2270.