Prevent Tooth Decay by Building Better Habits at Home

Proper dental hygiene plays a great part in your overall well-being. On the other hand, poor dental hygiene might result in oral issues like alveolar bone loss, gum disease, tooth decay, or even tooth loss.

How do you then protect your tooth from decay? The following article will help you better understand teeth habits, common tooth issues, and how to avoid them.

Better Teeth Habits

Floss

Brushing alone will not help you remove all food particles between your teeth. It is therefore important to ensure you floss after you brush your teeth. This will help you avoid tooth decay as a result of bacteria from stuck food between your teeth.

Consume Enough Water

Typically, a dry mouth can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Drinking water also helps in eliminating food particles in your mouth, thus preventing cavities.

Reduce Snacking and Acidic Foods

Generally, snacks contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates, which are not healthy for your teeth.

Consider Mouthwash

Although many people skip mouthwash, it is very crucial in preventing tooth decay. The main benefits of mouthwash include reducing acid in your mouth, re-mineralizes your teeth, and cleaning around your gums.

Common Tooth Issues

Stained Teeth

Generally, stained teeth are a result of tobacco usage, medications, trauma, and some food. However, with a proper approach, you can get rid of stains on your teeth, thus preventing teeth decay.

You may try several approaches to remove teeth stains, including bleaching them while using gel and tray at home. You can also choose to visit us at our Downtown Austin Location, where our Cosmetic Dentistry will use a special light and some whitening agent.

Additionally, you may choose the simplest option of whitening rinses and toothpaste to remove your teeth stains. However, this option only helps you get rid of surface stains.

Toothache

Tooth decay can result in a toothache. To manage such a situation, you can use warm water to rinse your mouth. This helps in removing food that remains between your teeth, thus relieving the pain.

Scheduling an appointment with an Austin Preventative Dentistry will help you with the necessary treatment to relieve the toothache. Depending on the tooth condition, we may recommend some pain relievers or schedule an extraction. If not treated, tooth decay could result in more severe issues than just toothache. Signs that your tooth decay is getting worse are pus or swelling around your tooth and fever. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to visit us right away.

Cavities

Typically, cavities are tiny holes in the teeth and can result in damaged enamel. Cavities result from plaque forming on your teeth and, with time, destroys your teeth’ outer shell.

To avoid cavity issues, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth following a meal. Additionally, we recommend that you reduce snacks intake, use fluoride mouthwash, floss daily, and visit Toothbar for a regular checkup. Your dentist at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry can also recommend sealant.

Keeping dental checkup appointments is crucial in maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Once you visit Toothbar in Downtown Austin, we will help you clean your teeth, providing you with a brighter smile than at home. Additionally, if you have any plaque on your teeth, our dentist will help you remove it, thus preventing severe dental problems. If you have any dental issues, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today.