While most of us know the importance of dental care, demanding routines and jam-packed schedules can make paying proper attention to our teeth more challenging than we’d like. But avoiding tooth decay is important, saving both your health and dentist bills) in the long run.

At Four Corners Dental Group, Alaska’s top family dentistry clinic, offering affordable dental care in both Wasilla and Anchorage, the team outlines three top cavity prevention tips:

• Regular Brushing: It seems simple, but the dentists’ encouragement to brush your teeth carries a lot of weight. Brushing is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth cavity-free. While busy lives can cause us to forget about brushing after meals, remembering to do so can clean debris off your teeth before it has a chance to become wedged in and cause decay. To make brushing more of a no-brainer task, pack one with your lunch bag or purse, so you can conveniently brush whenever and wherever you want. 
• Chewing Gum: If you love chewing gum, you’re in luck, as doing so increases the amount of saliva in your mouth, which can erase the acids that accumulate on your teeth after eating. Make sure you’re chewing the sugarless kind, made with a sugar substitute called xylitol that’s been known to fight cavities by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Your dentist can also recommend approved brands. 
• Sipping With A Straw: As a general rule, dentists warn against regular consumption of sugary drinks. But if you’re going to indulge once in a while, try sipping your beverage with a straw. This limits the amount of contact the sugary, acidic liquid has with your teeth, therefore minimizing the risk of cavities. However, a straw shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for brushing and flossing.

For more information on preventing cavities, or to locate a family dentistry clinic providing affordable dental care near you, call Four Corners Dental Group at (907) 258-3384. You can also follow them on Twitter for updates.