Our teeth play a large role in our health, but, without proper care, our teeth can be damaged by decay. Fortunately, maintaining a healthy smile isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of dedication and care. Here are some tips for avoiding tooth decay to keep your teeth healthy and attractive.

Brush Twice Daily

At the forefront of the battle against tooth decay is brushing your teeth. Brushing twice daily is preferred by most experts, especially after meals. Brushing clears away debris that can rot, causing cavities, and it clears away potentially harmful plaque. Note, however, to avoid excessive brushing, which can damage your enamel and lead to further problems.

Flossing

Many people develop strong brushing habits, but fewer floss as frequently as they should. Make sure to learn proper flossing technique from your dental hygienist next time you have your teeth cleaned, and floss at least once per day. Note that flossing also helps protect against gum disease, which can cause problems aside from tooth decay. Consider picking up an interdental cleaning tool, which you might find more convenient than traditional flossing.

Visit Your Dentist

Regular visits to your dentist provide you with a deep cleaning, helping you remove plaque and debris that’s hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss. Furthermore, your hygienist and dentist will look for cavities, which are far easier to treat when they’re in their early stages. Your dentist can also advise you about other options you might want to consider. Dental sealants, for example, provide excellent protection, and supplemental fluoride options can prevent future cavities. Schultz Family Dental can ensure you’re on top of your dental hygiene.

Clean Your Tongue

Although it might not seem intuitive at first, your tongue can serve as a source of tooth decay. Tongues can serve as reservoirs for bacteria, which can then attack teeth. There are a number of dental cleaning tools available, but simply brushing your tongue after your teeth can remove bacteria.

A Proper Diet Helps

Having a healthy diet is great for a number of reasons, but it’s also useful for keeping your teeth in great shape. Sugary drinks can coat your teeth with bacteria-friendly sugars, which can encourage bacterial growth. Furthermore, the acids in many soft drinks can weaken your enamel, providing an opportunity for bacteria to take hold on your teeth. Vegetables are great for brushing away some plaque. Tap water in the United States is treated to have a healthy level of fluoride, so keep your water bottle filled during the day.

Winning the battle against tooth decay requires constant vigilance. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest too much time to maintain a healthy and attractive smile. Make sure to build healthy habits, and visit your dentist regularly to learn what works best for your smile.