Tips for Preventing Dental Caries

Dental caries is a result of tooth decay and yet, completely preventable with the proper oral hygiene regimen. People may not realize the tooth decay begins with an erosion of the tooth enamel that causes holes in the teeth. These holes are known as cavities. If we do not treat dental caries, they will worsen to the point where we need to remove the entire tooth. In fact, this infection has the potential to spread to the root canal, gums and jaw bone. Dental caries can eventually result in tooth loss as well as bone loss.

Abide by these tips to prevent the formation of dental caries in your mouth.

Avoid Foods and Beverages Containing Sugar

Foods that have sugar and starch spur a reaction within the mouth that causes tooth decay. Sugar interacts with bacteria within the saliva to create an acid that leads to tooth enamel erosion. So do not consume sugar-laden beverages like soda and juice with artificial sugar added. If you have a hankering for sweets, choose dark chocolate and clean your teeth after indulging.

Brush Your Teeth at Least Two Times per Day

While it seems like brushing one's teeth two times per day would be easy enough, plenty of people fail to do it. Brush your teeth at least once in the morning and once at night. This brushing will eliminate built-up plaque and bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well. The tongue is chock full of bacteria. People need to clean the tongue thoroughly with a tongue scraper or toothbrush.

Make Fluoride Your Friend

Fluoride strengthens the enamel on the teeth and thwarts tooth decay. Fluoride is in tap water, toothpaste and specialized trays provided by the dentist. It might also be possible to take fluoride in pill form if the dentist believes it will assist with one's oral health challenges.

Floss at Least Once Each Day

Brushing in and of itself will not suffice for a thorough cleaning of the teeth. Floss is necessary to reach those small crevices the brush bristles cannot reach. The bottom line is if an individual does not floss, then the mouth is not truly clean. The plaque will gradually accumulate in the small spaces between the teeth and around the gum line, causing tooth decay, gum disease and other problems. So be sure to floss at least once per day. Ideally, the individual will floss after meals as well.

The Gums Matter a Great Deal

If a person notices any differences in his or her gums, it is a sign something bad is happening in the mouth. If the gums appear to be inflamed or the person sees blood when brushing, then the person needs to consider these signs of underlying issues. When flossing, people need to make sure to glide the floss between the gums and the tooth and move it around a bit to loosen all those food particles. Furthermore, it will help to swish with a mouthwash that has fluoride to combat dental caries and other issues with the gums.

Visit Your Dentist Twice Each Year

Abide by a regular schedule of dental examinations and treatments to minimize the chances of dental caries. The dentist will analyze the patient's mouth, check for dental caries, perform a thorough cleaning and help in other ways. The patient needs to follow the dentist's advice to combat dental caries. By doing so, the mouth will prove to be that much healthier as time progresses. Call Michael F. Grasso DDS at (636) 777-7700 to schedule an appointment today in our Chesterfield dental office.