(734) 999-9909
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, people who have been staying at home have considered changing their lifestyles and making better choices. These include starting a new hobby, living more mindfully, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One particular area that many have begun diving into is good oral hygiene.
Although it’s such a mundane activity, people still have different habits when it comes to taking care of their teeth. As a result, despite attempts to brush their teeth as often as possible, some still end up having to deal with cavities. That’s why it’s essential to know that you can still get cavities if you aren’t careful.
As useful as they might be, it’s not enough to rely on a local dentist to fix up your teeth whenever a cavity pops up. Knowing how these form and learning how to prevent them can save you a trip to the dentist and keep you from experiencing nights filled with intense toothaches.
How Cavities Develop
It’s important to note that human teeth are made of minerals, which can be affected every time you consume food rich in sugar and starch.
The bacteria present in the plaque on your teeth create acid, which then impacts the enamel—the layer that protects your teeth. Eating or drinking anything acidic can also cause your teeth to lose its natural minerals, making you more susceptible to cavities.
Take note that it takes about thirty minutes to an hour for the pH level of your mouth to go back to normal. However, if you choose to consume something with plenty of sugar or starch without letting your teeth recover, the acid will just keep developing on your plaque and cause cavities.
How to Prevent Cavities
Saliva
The saliva your mouth naturally produces all day serves as a barrier that defends your teeth against unwanted particles trying to harm them.
Your teeth have the same minerals found in your saliva. That’s why each time you eat, the saliva, containing calcium and phosphate, work with your teeth to nourish it back to health.
Fluoride Toothpaste
In some cases, your saliva isn’t enough to keep your teeth healthy, and you may need additional help. This is why it’s necessary to brush your teeth and use fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoride-infused water to guarantee your teeth are well-protected.
You can ask the assistance of a dentist to prescribe you with the proper toothpaste brand to keep your teeth resistant to decay and cavities.
Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques
Dentists can’t stress how important brushing your teeth regularly is for your oral health.
In fact, even when you’re asleep, bacteria tend to reproduce in your mouth. However, if you brush as soon as you wake up, you can eliminate plaque and bacteria before deciding to eat breakfast.
Brushing your teeth before going to bed is also crucial, so you can lessen the chances of exposing your teeth to acid as you sleep. You can also choose to brush after each meal, just as long as you wait thirty minutes before doing so. While waiting, you can rinse your mouth with water to improve your saliva production.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your oral health is easy. You just need to stick to a routine and remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You can prevent cavities by avoiding acidic food and beverages, drinking more water to produce saliva throughout the day, and using fluoride toothpaste for better protection.
Are you looking for an affordable dentist in Ann Arbor to help improve your oral hygiene? Dental House MI is a dental practice that offers preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more. Get in touch with us today to start your journey towards good oral health!
