4 Ways To Take Care Of Cavity-Prone Teeth
Whether or not you develop tooth decay and cavities depends on several factors. Unfortunately, some people are more genetically predisposed to cavities than others. The strength of your enamel depends, in part, on your body's genetics. Luckily, you can still do your part to prevent cavities by following these four steps:
1. Try not to snack.
Diet experts sometimes recommend frequent small meals for weight loss, but excess snacking can actually harm your teeth. Every time you eat, you introduce sugars and acids into your mouth, which can form plaque that gradually breaks down your tooth enamel. If possible, try to limit your snacking between meals. When you do have a snack or meal, brush your teeth immediately after. When brushing isn't an option, you should at least use clean water to rinse your mouth.
2. Chew gum.
Chewing gum is actually great for your teeth, as long as you're choosing sugar-free varieties. When you chew gum, your body naturally produces more saliva, which can protect your teeth from the sugars in foods you may have eaten recently. The mechanical action of chewing itself can also help to clean plaque from your teeth.
3. Use mouthwash.
Brushing and flossing daily are vital for good oral care, but mouthwash is important, too. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which can strengthen your teeth. Use mouthwash at least once a day, and don't rinse your mouth afterward, in order to let the fluoride do its job. Mouthwash can help to clear away small particles of food and bacteria that you may have missed while flossing.
4. Visit your dentist more often.
Generally, experts recommend that you visit the dentist for a checkup every six months. This is a good rule of thumb for most people, but those with softer enamel should visit the dentist more often. Having your teeth professionally cleaned every four months can help keep cavities at bay. Discuss this with your dentist so they can prescribe a cleaning schedule that will work best for your teeth.
You can't choose your genes, but you can still fight against plaque and tooth decay. These are just a few things you can do to protect your oral health. Frequent cavity fillings and root canals don't have to be a way of life for you. When in doubt, contact your general dentist for more information about the steps you can take to prevent tooth decay.
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