Guide to prevent cavities with simple Oral hygiene habits.
Decay in teeth occurs when foods which contain carbohydrates like sugars and starches, (for eg breads, milk, soda, cakes, or candy) are left behind on the surface of teeth.
Bacteria that are already living in the mouth will digest these foods and turn them into acids.
This bacteria along with the acid produced plus food debris, combine to form plaque, which clings to the surface of the teeth. The acids produced by bacteria dissolve the tooth surface thus creating holes in the teeth which are called cavities.
With the right oral hygiene habits we can prevent cavities at an early stage. The best dentists in Mumbai will tell you that once you start to develop cavities, the only way to prevent their spread is by getting them treated.
Enlisting some of the ways to prevent cavities with simple oral hygiene habits –
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH – It is advised to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, also remember to rinse after every meal. This helps to clean surfaces of your teeth exposed in the mouth.
USE OF MOUTHWASH – For overall good oral hygiene use a mouthwash. It will help to maintain better oral health and minimize plaque buildup.
EAT A BALANCED DIET – A diet rich in fibers and low in carbohydrates will help to keep decay at minimum. Try to avoid sticky food substances like candy, chocolate, chips & even processed food items as it will stay stuck to your teeth for a longer duration of time and cause cavities. The more fiber rich your diet is, the less will be the decay.
FLUORIDE TREATMENT – You can ask your dentist for supplementary fluoride application on teeth for strengthening the enamel of your tooth. Once there is complete elimination of decay then one can opt for fluoride application as it will form a decay resistant layer with the enamel, thereby reducing the rate of cavity formation.
APPLICATION OF SEALERS- Usually the molars are very prone to decay as they come at about 6-8 years of age and last for a lifetime. Therefore to prevent decay from spreading it may be advised to get sealants applied on your teeth.
DRINK FLUORIDATED WATER – It may greatly benefit if the fluoride intake is as per the recommended dose. Systemic fluoride intake may be beneficial for forming stronger teeth. Especially in cases where the tooth germ is still forming. Most international organizations will recommend systemic fluoride intake of 0.05 mg F/kg body weight/day.
FLOSSING – it is essential to floss your teeth at least once a day to clean the area in between your teeth with a floss or an interdental brush.
CAVITY TREATMENT – Incase of decay already present in your teeth, make sure to get it treated by fillings. When cavity treatment the decay present is drilled and replaced with a tooth coloured filling material. This will ensure that the decay does not further spread.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY – Routine check up every six months is a must as it will ensure all cavities are being checked and treated, if any habit correction is required then your dentist can advise you on the same. Regular check ups ensure that decay can be detected in incipient stage and arrested, instead of allowing it to spread.
The best dentists in Andheri will advise you that if all of the above criterias are fulfilled then the decay in your teeth can be kept in check with the simple habits mentioned above. Visit The Dental Bond today, to learn more about these simple habits to prevent cavities.
