Simple Tips to Avoid Cavities
Tooth decay in Oshawa is a common problem, but there are simple strategies to prevent it, outlined below.
- Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly
It might seem obvious, but not everyone brushes their teeth at least twice a day or brushes thoroughly. Often, this is because you brush your teeth automatically without thinking about whether you are cleaning all tooth surfaces.
Modern electric toothbrushes include functions that can monitor your brushing, which can be extremely useful. If you prefer a manual toothbrush, set a timer to ensure you brush for 2 minutes each time, as it’s easy to overestimate the time you spend cleaning your teeth.
- Floss Every Day
Flossing might seem like a chore, but it is essential for removing plaque and food debris between teeth. These contact areas are where tooth decay often begins. If you hate flossing and find it tricky, ask our hygienists for help.
We can show you the proper techniques and offer helpful advice to ensure you floss like a pro. Alternatively, there are plenty of other tools to try, which may be easier for some people to use.
- Try to Avoid Snacking
When life gets busy, it’s tempting to pick up a snack to keep you going. Unfortunately, these snacks can often be high in carbohydrates and sugars. Frequent snacking on them can increase the time your teeth are exposed to acids.
This is because the bacteria in dental plaque, a sticky biofilm that forms on everyone’s teeth between brushing and flossing, feast on leftover food and produce acid as a byproduct. Acid attacks tooth enamel, eventually eroding it and leading to cavities.
If you need a snack, try to pick foods that are tooth-friendly, such as hard cheese, sugar-free yogurt, crunchy fruits and vegetables, or hummus.
- Book Regular Hygiene Appointments
Regular appointments with our hygiene team at Margolian Dentistry are essential for healthy teeth and strong gums. During these appointments, we clean your teeth professionally, removing dental plaque and hardened plaque called tartar or calculus.
Removing these substances removes the harmful bacteria they harbour, so there are fewer bacteria to cause dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. An added benefit is that your teeth will feel smoother, look shinier and brighter, and your breath will be fresher after treatment.
Most people benefit from regular six-monthly dental hygiene appointments in Whitby, but if you have any issues that increase your risk of dental disease, we may recommend more frequent cleanings.
- Have Regular Dental Checkups
Your regular dental exams in Ajax are essential so we can closely monitor your oral health. Part of your dental exam includes assessing each tooth individually, checking for signs of early tooth decay, such as soft spots in the tooth enamel. If you have any fillings, we also check them carefully to ensure they are still strong and stable, as they will eventually need renewing as they age.
- Use Fluoridated Dental Products
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and can help strengthen tooth enamel. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash is tightly regulated to ensure it is safe for use, making this an easy way to protect tooth enamel.
Look for products that have received the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval so you can be sure they have been thoroughly tested and are safe and effective.
Additionally, we may recommend professional fluoride treatments in our dental office to further protect your teeth. These are applications of professional-strength fluoride products, such as fluoride varnish, which can be painted onto teeth, and fluoride gel or mouthwash.
