How Can I Prevent My Teeth From Decaying?

Do you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride-containing toothpaste?

Do you floss at least once a day?

Do you use a mouthwash with fluoride?

Do you visit your dentist regularly?

Do you drink tap water?

Do you avoid frequent snacking and sipping?

Do you eat tooth-healthy food (fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products, green and black teas, sugarless chewing gum, foods with fluoride)?

Have you talked to your dentist about dental sealants?

Have you talked to your dentist about periodic fluoride treatments, antibacterial treatments, or combined treatments?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you protect your teeth from decaying. Regular visits to your dentist, professional cleaning and oral examinations can help you avoid caries or notice it earlier. It would be ideal to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after each meal. You can also use fluoride mouthwash in case you have a high risk of developing caries. Try to avoid frequent snacking and sipping because the constant presence of food on your teeth contributes to the production of acids that can destroy tooth enamel. You can drink tap water because it contains fluoride which reduces tooth decay.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to protect your teeth from decaying. You should brush your teeth immediately after eating food that can easily get stuck in the pits of the teeth. You can also drink unsweetened coffee or tea to help wash away food particles. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and chewing unsweetened chewing gum has a similar effect because it increases the flow of saliva. Your dentist may recommend dental sealants. A sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface, usually of your back teeth. It prevents food from accumulating and protects tooth enamel from acids and plaque.