5 Astonishing Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Dr. Andrey Ilyabayev Dentist Bayside, NY

Dr. Ilyabayev graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2003, completed the Implant residency program guided by renowned Dr. John Minichetti in 2005 and then the Advanced Implant program in 2006 at the The Dental Implant Learning Center. Dr. Ilyabayev always had an interest in medicine and initially began his medical... more

There are many factors that affect oral health. Even skipping a tooth brushing twice a day may cause teeth problems. Many dental diseases don’t have obvious symptoms. Therefore, a small brown spot on your tooth that doesn’t cause discomfort may turn into tooth decay and tooth loss.

Tooth decay is probably the most common dental problem across the world. It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent this disease. Below you can find several great tips that may help decrease the risk of tooth decay and maintain proper oral hygiene. 

1. Brush Regularly

This is the most obvious tip but it is very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene. Do not forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed. This is extremely important if you want to get rid of bacteria that accumulate in your mouth. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, bacteria in your mouth produce excess acids. These acids can destroy enamel and cause tooth decay.

It is recommended to use a toothpaste with fluoride. This toothpaste prevents enamel demineralization and tooth decay. A good toothbrush is also very important. Choose a toothbrush with a mild softness. A hard toothbrush may damage enamel and gums. A soft toothbrush has poor cleaning properties. Your family dentist may give you recommendations on how to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste that will help you satisfy your dental needs.

2. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is very important for good oral health and decay prevention. There are different types of mouthwashes on the market. It is important to choose mouthwash with the right ingredients. The fluoride mouthwash is the right option for people who want to prevent tooth decay and not just fresh breath. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be absorbed by the weakened tooth surface to strengthen the enamel. 

Mouthwash also reduces the risk of tooth decay by removing plaque, food debris, and bacteria that destroy the enamel. Avoid using mouthwash immediately after toothpaste. It is recommended to use a mouthwash during the day.

3. Use a Tooth Floss

Dental floss is an integral part of good oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque and food debris in hard-to-access for toothbrush areas. Using a floss after a meal helps reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If food remains between your teeth for a long time it decomposes in substances that ruin tooth enamel. This makes you more vulnerable to different dental infections and tooth decay. 

4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

You should regularly visit your dentist. Even if nothing bothers you, it is not a good reason to miss your dentist’s appointment. Some dental diseases don’t have obvious symptoms. Something that starts with some blood after teeth brushing in the sink, may eventually lead to tooth loss. A small spot on your tooth may turn into a big problem called tooth decay. 

Your dentist will identify all abnormalities in the early stage and provide you with effective recommendations on how to prevent them. If you have a predisposition to tooth demineralization and tooth decay then your doctor may offer you certain procedures or products that can help you. 

5. Eat Healthily

A healthy diet is crucial to maintain good oral health. Foods that are high in sugars create in your mouth the perfect conditions for bacterias breeding. These bacterias produce acids that damage tooth enamel. Enamel erosion results in increased teeth sensitivity and tooth decay over time. 

You should also avoid food or acidic foods and drinks. Such foods damage the teeth and make you more vulnerable to tooth decay.