Directions | Wouldn’t it be nice to go to the dentist with confidence, knowing that your chances of having a cavity are next to zero? People who never get cavities have more than just luck on their side. They make daily choices that protect their teeth, enjoying lower cost dental care and increased tooth longevity.Â
Here are five simple habits that people without tooth decay do every day.
- Brush and FlossÂ
You might have expected this habit to be at the top of the list. Unfortunately, too many people do not take brushing and flossing seriously. These are the core habits that keep cavities at bay. Those who never get cavities make brushing and flossing a priority, never skipping. They also brush and floss at the right times: after eating sugary food, before bed, and after breakfast.
People who get cavities often rationalize not brushing, saying that one time will not make that much difference.
Brushing habits are easily tossed to the side with a busy schedule, or when you fall asleep watching a movie. Those who never get cavities bring a toothbrush with them if they are going to be gone all day and into the night. They also brush their teeth before settling down to watch a movie or read in bed.Â
- Avoid Exposure to Acid
The second simple habit that helps reduce the risk of cavity development is limiting exposure to enamel-eroding acids. People who don’t get cavities frequently say no to:
- Candy. Sugar is the food for the acid-secreting bacteria in the mouth. The more sugar present, the more acid the bacteria can produce. Enamel will degrade more quickly.Â
- Soda. Many people say no to soda when watching their weight, but those with healthy smiles say no to protect their teeth. Soda is naturally high in sugar and naturally acidic, a double-whammy for teeth.Â
- Juice. Juice is usually seen as a healthier alternative to soda, but for teeth, it’s just as bad. A high sugar content with natural acids from the fruit leads to accelerated decay.
- Sweetened milk and ice cream. Many people feel more confident drinking milk because of the calcium content, but milk is still high in sugar. This is especially true of milk and milk products that have been sweetened with more sugar.
People without cavities still enjoy treats every so often, but they eat the whole treat in on sitting, instead of small bites and sips over the course of a few hours. They also limit the portion size and frequency, taking care to brush after indulging if necessary.
- Rinse Out
Rinsing is a habit that will really help decrease instances of dental decay. Swishing with water after a meal or snack helps restore your mouth to a normal pH and decreases the amount of residual food in your mouth.Â
Saliva is an amazing digestive tool. It coats your food during chewing, making it easier to swallow. Saliva also contains a digestive enzyme called alpha-amylase. This enzyme breaks down starches in sugars. These sugars can leave a residue behind, especially after a person eats something with a high starch content like potato chips, crackers, or toast.
People without cavities rinse after eating to prevent sugars and starches from settling on the teeth. No food for bacteria means fewer cavities.Â
- Say No to Snacking
Even non-sweet foods contain small amounts of natural sugar. Consistent snacking exposes the teeth to more sugar and acid. Those without cavities eat their fill at meal time and snack infrequently, giving their teeth a break from food exposure.
By brushing after at least the morning and evening meal, these people ensure that their teeth remain clean for the majority of the day. When they do snack, they choose tooth-friendly options like cheese, nuts, fresh vegetables, or plain yogurt.
For more information on how you can ramp up your daily oral care regimen, contact us at Advanced Family Dental Care LLC.