Tooth decay and cavities are problems that many people have. They are very common. Children get them. Adults get them. Even older people get them. But the good part is that you can stop them. You do not need to wait until you feel pain or see a hole in your tooth. You can take care of your teeth every day and avoid problems before they even start.
At Walsh Dental, we see many people who wish they had done something sooner. They often ask how they can stop tooth decay from coming back. So we want to help you understand how easy it is to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay happens when the outer part of your tooth starts to break. This outer layer is called enamel. It is very strong but it can still get weak if you do not take care of it. When you eat food, especially sugary food, small germs in your mouth eat the sugar too. These germs make acid. That acid attacks the enamel. If this happens again and again, the enamel gets weaker. Soon a small hole forms. That is called a cavity.
You can stop this from happening. You just need to know what helps your teeth and what hurts them. And you have to follow simple habits every day. Let us talk about the best ways to do that.
Brush your teeth every day
One of the most important things you can do is brush your teeth. You should do it two times every day. Once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Brushing helps remove bits of food and germs. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride is very good for your teeth. It helps make your enamel stronger.
Take your time when you brush. Do not do it too fast. Move the brush in small circles. Make sure you brush the front, back and top of every tooth. Also brush your tongue. Germs live there too. Try to brush for two full minutes each time.
Flossing is just as important
Flossing is just as important as brushing. A toothbrush cannot clean between your teeth. But food gets stuck there too. Flossing helps remove it. You can floss once every day. It is better to do it at night before you go to sleep. That way your mouth is clean while you rest. If you find it hard to use normal floss, you can use floss sticks. They are easy to hold and work well.
Watch what you eat and drink
The food you eat matters a lot. Sugary snacks and drinks can hurt your teeth. Candy, cookies, soda and even fruit juice have a lot of sugar. Sticky sweets are worse because they stay on your teeth longer. When germs eat this sugar, they make acid. That acid is what causes the decay.
Try not to eat sweet snacks all day. If you want to have something sweet, eat it during a meal. Drink water after. That will help wash the sugar away. Water is the best drink for your teeth. It keeps your mouth clean and helps make more spit. Spit is very important. It helps fight germs and keeps your mouth healthy.
Some foods help your teeth. Foods with calcium like milk, yogurt and cheese are good. They help your teeth stay strong. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots are also good. They clean your teeth while you chew them. Nuts, eggs and green vegetables help too. Eating a mix of healthy foods is great for your whole body and also your teeth.
Go to the dentist often
Seeing your dentist is also very important. You should go two times a year. Even if your teeth feel fine, a dentist can find small problems early. They can clean your teeth better than brushing at home. They can tell you what your teeth need.
If you are looking for a dentist near Burnside, it is a good idea to find someone who makes you feel relaxed. A kind and gentle dentist can help you take care of your teeth without fear. Going for regular visits means you can avoid big problems later.
Sealants can help protect your teeth
Sometimes your dentist may suggest something called sealants. These are thin layers that go on the back teeth. They cover the deep parts of the teeth where food likes to hide. Sealants help keep germs and food out. They are safe and do not hurt. Many children get them but adults can get them too.
Be careful with your drinks
You also need to be careful with the drinks you choose. Many drinks that look healthy are not so good for teeth. Fruit juices, flavored waters and sports drinks often have sugar and acid. These can wear away the enamel. If you do drink them, use a straw and do not sip them all day. Drink them in one go and rinse your mouth with water after.
Dry mouth can be a problem
Some people have dry mouth. That means their mouth does not make enough spit. This can be a problem because spit helps clean your teeth. If you often feel like your mouth is dry, drink more water. Chew sugar free gum to make more spit. If that does not help, talk to your dentist. They can help you find ways to fix it.
Start good habits early with kids
If you have children, it is very important to help them build good habits early. Teach them how to brush and floss. Make it fun. Use a timer or play a short song while they brush. Give small rewards for brushing every day. Taking care of baby teeth is important too. They help children speak clearly and chew their food well.
Look out for signs of problems
Watch for signs that something may be wrong. If a tooth feels sore or sensitive to cold or sweet things, it could mean decay. If a tooth has a brown or white spot, it could be the start of a cavity. If your breath smells bad even after brushing, that could be a sign too. Do not wait. It is always easier to fix a small problem than a big one.
Take care of your teeth for life
Good teeth can last your whole life if you take care of them. Some people think it is normal to lose teeth as they get older. But that does not have to happen. If you brush, floss, eat healthy food, drink water and see your dentist, your teeth can stay strong for many years.
If you are looking for a trusted dentist near Burnside, make sure you choose someone who listens to your worries and helps you feel safe. A good dentist will explain things in simple words and help you understand how to care for your smile.
Walsh Dental is here to help you
At Walsh Dental, we want to help you and your family enjoy healthy teeth. We believe everyone deserves to smile with confidence. We are here to support you and guide you every step of the way. With a little care each day, you can avoid tooth decay and cavities. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step to a happy and healthy smile.