7 Tips for Dental Disease Prevention

A dental disease can have serious consequences on your overall health. It can affect your self-confidence and quality of life. Treating a dental disease can be a financial drain, especially when it comes at a time when finances are tight. Preventing dental diseases from occurring in the first place is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common type of dental issues. If left unchecked, either can lead to the total loss of your tooth and damage to your facial structure. Here is a look at a few cheap and easy ways you can prevent dental diseases:

1. Brush twice daily

It is common for people to ignore the notion of brushing twice daily and only brush once a day or not at all. Failing to do this leaves you vulnerable to two of the most common oral ailments: tooth decay and periodontitis.

At the very least, brush your teeth twice a day. Once in the morning and right before you go to bed at night.

2. Don’t forget to floss

There are lots of tight spaces in your mouth that no toothbrush can reach. That is where flossing comes in. It can reach those crevices and remove food particles that are stuck there. These food particles eventually turn into a plaque that leads to tooth decay and periodontitis after remaining on the teeth for a period of time.

3. Avoid sugary products

The bacteria that live in your mouth turn sugars into acids that damage your enamel. This is the main cause of tooth decay. Your saliva also converts starchy foods into sugar, so keep that in mind. Avoid sugar-rich products like sodas, candy, and pastries. Keep your diet balanced and avoid eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates.

4. Use a mouth rinse

A mouth rinse is a good way to kill bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath and tooth decay. An antibacterial mouth rinse is often the most effective option that is fairly easy to use.

5. Don’t forget your tongue

Make sure you clean your tongue twice a day when you brush. The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to tooth decay and bad breath, so get as much off as you can. Use your toothbrush to scrape it clean with downward motions starting from the tip. You can use a tongue scraper if you cannot control your gag reflex.

6. Use a quality fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps you fight off tooth decay. There is also a school of thought that claims fluoride can help regenerate enamel. While the latter remains to be scientifically proven, what we do know is that fluoride is good for your teeth. Always use a toothpaste that has fluoride listed as one of its ingredients.

7. Visit your dentist twice a year

Regular visits to your dentist are vital for your oral health. Even if your teeth look and feel perfect, your dentist has valuable training and experience that allows him/her to notice symptoms and other signs of dental disease. Your dentist will also perform a cleaning and remove hardened plaque that facilitates tooth decay.

Contact a dentist to find out more about how to prevent dental ailments.