How To Stop Tooth Decay? Dentists Recommended!

Why do dentists insist on brushing your teeth twice and flossing them every day? They want to save you from dental problems like tooth decay.

According to the Nation Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 96% of adults have had dental caries. A dental cavity doesn’t develop in a day. It takes its course, giving patients a good margin to treat them instantly.

Now, if you’re wondering about treating cavities at home, you may be mistaken. Cavities are serious and can give rise to many problems, so you should go to a dentist for proper treatment.

Let’s dive in to explore ways that can help you avoid a dental cavity.

How to Stop Dental Cavity? Daily Dental Hygiene Practises

Stopping dental cavities in their way is the only viable solution to prevent tooth decay. For starters, you can check what you are eating throughout your day. However, there are some tips to keep dental problems at bay.

To begin, you must know what tooth decay is.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is when the outer layer of your tooth gets damaged when there is excessive bacteria exposure. There are 3 to 4 basic stages to complete tooth decay.

• Demineralization or discoloration of your tooth
• Enamel breakdown
• Dentin degeneration
• Root canal

If you diagnose tooth decay in the start, it’ll become way easier to prevent it.

Let’s now get to the ‘solution’ part.

Stay Hydrated

A dry mouth is the most suitable environment for bacteria to grow. Your saliva is naturally equipped with anti-cavity properties as it doesn’t let bacteria stick to your teeth and makes them slip down to your stomach. When you drink water, your saliva production also improves than dehydration.

Drinking enough water in your day has multiple benefits to offer. It’s not just about your teeth but your entire organism, as per MD. Dr. Goyal, an orthodontist, your enamel gets stronger with continuous mineralization and keeps your teeth on hold. When your gums are hydrated, bacteria will not stick to them and wash off instantly.

Eat Healthily

As per American Dental Association, your diet plays a huge role in your dental health. Your teeth are vulnerable to sugars and bacteria-friendly foods. When you eat something sugary and leave it for the day, it can be disastrous for your health. The food residue may stick to your gums, tooth surface, and teeth root and build from there.

One way to stop tooth decay in its way is to eat sugar-free and non-acidic foods. If you can’t avoid sugar, you can at least try to brush after consumption. Or you can also rinse your mouth with water every once in a while.

Use Flouride

A tooth decay only proceeds if the outer layer of your teeth is weak, and then it seeps into the enamel. Fluoride can help big time in this case. It not only strengthens your enamel, i.e., your teeth’ covering, but it also remineralizes your mouth. Remineralization is a great factor that protects your teeth from decay.

You eat and drink sugary foods which form a sticky bacteria film on the tooth. If you don’t brush it off, it can eat up your tooth in a matter of a month. So use fluoride toothpaste or a dental product with the mineral for a healthy tooth set.

You can also sign up for fluoridated water supply. Many people have been drinking it and benefiting from good dental health.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking dry your mouth and reduce saliva production, which is a no-no situation when you have a decaying tooth. Also, the sugars in the drink are quite stubborn to get rid of.

You will have to limit your smokes per day and drink good amounts of water for smoking. Keep a water bottle with you, so you don’t forget to take sips. It’s a great way to push off the bacterial effects of cigarettes. Your gums may also get affected and show white patches to indicate the problem.

Smoking and drinking can also cause oral cancer, so it’s better to stop as soon as you can.

Brush Your Teeth

If you want to stop tooth decay right in its feet, you will have to go daily toothbrushing. You can use an electric toothbrush with 10,000 to 40,000 vibrations or a manual one, so it’s faster and better if you live on the go. At the same time, a manual toothbrush gives you more control. You’ll have to pick your type and go with it.

One thing that can make your teeth brushing a successful practice is using floss afterward. A toothbrush is great to take out bigger food particles, but a string of floss can reach into the nooks and crevices of your tooth to wipe out the bacteria completely.

Ask the Doc

If you do that or it’s too late to handle things on your own, a great option is to see a dentist. Your dentist will give you a detailed overview of your gum health and teeth so you can drive your dental hygiene accordingly.

Once your dentist has detected the issue, you can go for a sealant to fill in the cavity right away. This will prevent further tooth deterioration. The dentist may suggest a root canal if you have infections to get rid of the problem once and for all. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash once the dentist has treated your tooth clinically.

Takeaway

You must treat a dental cavity and tooth decay with ultimate care if you smoke or have a sweet tooth. Excess of both of these factors can be detrimental to your oral hygiene. Also, take some time out every month to see the dentists.

If following all the tips is overwhelming for you, you can begin with simple steps like increasing the amount of water you drink daily. This will somehow set your path, and then you can proceed with other changes like eating healthy by avoiding acidic foods.