Tooth decay and oral infections can affect your overall health, which is why dentists everywhere stress the importance of proper dental care. Many people aren’t sure where to start when it comes to taking care of their teeth, putting their smiles in jeopardy. Here are three easy ways to prevent cavities, so that you can enjoy healthy, comfortable teeth.

3 Ways to Avoid Tooth Decay

1. Avoid Starchy, Sugary Foods

The human mouth has many different strains of oral bacteria, each responsible for targeting different parts of your smile. Sugar fuels these bacteria, allowing them to emit toxins and enamel-eroding acids that irritate your gums and destroy your dental enamel. To protect your teeth, avoid starchy, sugary foods like candies, cakes, crackers, and sweetened drinks like soda.   

2. Brush & Floss 

Brushing and flossing are about more than freshening your breath. In addition to whisking away food particles that feed bacteria, brushing, flossing, and rinsing also dilute the total bacterial content, protecting your smile. Furthermore, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash help to strengthen enamel on a microscopic level.

3. Chew Sugarless Gum 

Your saliva helps to neutralize bacterial acids, protecting your teeth from dental cavities and deeply rooted infections. However, if you have chronic dry mouth due to genetics, medications, or a medical condition, you might be at a higher risk for tooth decay. To ward off problems, chew sugarless gum throughout the day to increase your saliva levels by up to ten times.  Any Products with the additive Xylitol are also beneficial.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants; it tastes sweet but has a low glycemic index and is low in calories.

If you are due for a dental checkup, Lisa Tatum, DDS, in Waynesboro, VA, provides comprehensive exams and preventative care. The family-oriented dentist can also help with a range of procedures, including cosmetic restoration, dental implants, and bridges. For more information about her practice, visit the website. To schedule an appointment today, call (540) 943-0973.