Your teeth are one of the most vital organs in your body. When they are healthy, they can withstand an astounding amount of pressure. They can also perform many functions like processing food and forming a beautiful smile. Failure to take care of your teeth can result in different problems. One of them being tooth decay.
Tooth decay occurs when the teeth are attacked by bacteria that feed on food particles that collect on your teeth. The bacteria splits the sugar from food into acids to consume it. The acid dissolves the tooth leaving a hole or cavity in its place. This cavity may then cause irritation and discomfort when you chew your food.
Tooth decay can be very painful and embarrassing if not taken care of. Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable and treatable when caught early enough. To prevent it, you must practice good oral hygiene. This is by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. You should also avoid biting your nails since it increases unnecessary contact with the mouth. It also increases the opportunity for bacteria to attack your teeth. The following article discusses this and provides more detailed tips to reverse tooth decay.
Monitor Your Diet
Your diet plays a massive role in how your teeth turn out. Foods high in sugar and starch will wreak havoc on your teeth over time. These foods cause bacteria to grow like crazy and eat away at your enamel. This means you can develop cavities and other problems over time. Foods high in sugar include candy, soda pop, and juice boxes.
However, if you choose to diet, be conscious of how much sugar you take. If you are going to cut back on sugar, cut out the processed and refined sugars. Instead of drinking pop, drink water or another healthy drink.
Also, avoid foods high in starch; they cause cavities and bad breath. Foods high in starch include bread and pasta dishes, potatoes, rice, and macaroni dishes.
Floss
Try to floss every day. It is the best way to help prevent tooth decay for several reasons. First, it will prevent plaque from building up between your teeth. And on the inside of your gums. Second, it will remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. This will stop bacteria from building up and prevent problems in the future.
Flossing is quite simple. First, you need to find the floss that feels most comfortable to use. You can purchase pre-cut floss or floss that is made at home. It's simple to learn how to floss with either one. All it takes is a couple of minutes or so.
Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste
There are plenty of different types of toothpaste out there. However, the best ones for your teeth are fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is an essential mineral in your body. It helps strengthen your teeth and rebuild enamel.
You can find fluoride in salt, water, and other foods. However, it is most present in a toothpaste you use daily to help prevent cavities. And also help keep your teeth healthy.
Individuals should use toothpaste as a way of maintaining good oral health. It shouldn't replace a good brushing or flossing. But instead, use the toothpaste as a regular part of your daily routine. This is to keep your teeth properly cleaned and protected.
Sleep With a Night Guard
Tooth decay happens when you expose teeth to all of the different bacteria. And also food particles that you naturally swallow. You need to keep your teeth away from these food particles. You can do this by using a night guard. A night guard is a plastic or rubber piece that fits over your teeth. This will protect them from food particles and bacteria. A night guard is also good at preventing teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is when a person crushes their teeth while sleeping. This can cause various other dental problems, including pain and bad breath.
Night guards also prevent the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) from becoming too sore. Problems with TMJ can cause TMD (temporomandibular disorder) and difficulty closing your mouth.
You can find night guards in different sizes and colors to fit your style. It would help to choose a night guard that fits your personal needs. This is so you can wear it comfortably all the time.
Use a Mouth Guard During Sports
A mouth guard is a protective device that athletes usually wear during sports. The purpose of the mouth guard is to protect the teeth and jaw bone. A mouth guard can reduce stress on the teeth. It will lessen the chances of breaking a tooth while using it during sports. As a result, the teeth will become less prone to damage.
Consult Your Dentist Concerning Sealants
There are many reasons to seal your teeth. Firstly, this can help prevent gum disease. Gum disease is an unhealthy imbalance of plaque and tartar on your gums. When the bacteria accumulate on your teeth, it starts to cause tooth decay. Different people have different levels of acid in their saliva. The sealant will buffer the acid and prevent it from affecting the teeth below it. In addition, sealants can help prevent tooth decay by preventing bacterial buildup beneath the teeth.
This is how it works. The sealant is applied to your teeth using a unique tool. Your dentist will then use a curing light to form the sealant into its final shape. Once it has hardened, your teeth will have an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities.
The Bottom Line
Tooth decay is a common problem for many people. Bacteria in your mouth most commonly cause it. Tooth decay also occurs when you have a lot of sugar. If you have sugar constantly in your mouth, the bacteria will grow and eventually eat away at your teeth.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to eat healthy foods. You can also prevent tooth decay by flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and using a mouth guard during sports. Some people even use night guards to stop teeth from grinding while they sleep.
You can prevent tooth decay by following these simple steps. So, keep your teeth healthy and strong!
The Easy Way to Take Care of Bruxism and TMD
Cheeky makes it easy and affordable to say sayonara to the pain and tension accompanying TMD and bruxism. Never deal with gross night guards again! Our custom nightguards will give you the best night of sleep you’ve had in months.
Pick your plan and customize your nightguard with Cheeky today.
