We recently talked about what you can do you avoid the onset of gum disease. But what about tooth decay? Cavities could not only cause toothaches, but could lead to a higher risk of infection or abscess! To avoid tooth decay, your Astoria, NY, dentist has three very important tips.
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Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks:
When we consume foods and drinks high in sugar, this leaves particles behind on and between the teeth, particles that bacteria will consume. In the process of breaking down these particles the levels of oral acidity in your mouth elevates, and the teeth become coated in a sticky bacterial byproduct known as plaque buildup. Plaque, over time, weakens and erodes the enamel, exposing sensitive inner structures to harmful bacteria and allowing a cavity to form. Instead, try to drink more water, and enjoy healthy snack choices, like fruit, veggies, low-fat yogurt, or sugar-free gum.
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Brush and Floss:
Brushing and flossing may not actually remove the buildup from your teeth, but these actions do limit how much can accumulate on your smile by removing stray food particles. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and once more before going to bed. Each session should last about two minutes and we suggest using a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid inadvertent damage to enamel should you brush too hard. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this helps strengthen the outer enamel. You also need to floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping briefly below the gum line, every night before going to sleep. Brushing alone is not enough, you need to floss to in order to reach every stray particle of food.
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Have Your Teeth Cleaned:
When you attend routine checkup and cleaning visits every six months, you give our team a chance to watch for signs of tooth decay and other issues, offering treatment before they cause discomfort and threaten your oral health. In the same visit, we will also clean the teeth. Using an ultrasonic scaler and a manual tool, we can remove all plaque and tartar completely from the surfaces of the teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and also offering fresher breath and brighter teeth. You should see us twice a year, but if you have high risk factors for gum disease then we may suggest one every three to four months. If you have any questions then please contact our team today!
Do You Have Questions About Staying Free of Cavities?
We would like to help you stay healthy and avoid the onset of tooth decay with preventive dental care. For more information on preventive dentistry, schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
