Teeth may be the strongest component of the human body, but they are still vulnerable to damage. When oral bacteria build up in the mouth, their acidic action can erode away enamel and cause cavities in the teeth. While tooth decay can be treated if caught early enough, Gleason Family Dental urges all patients to take preventative steps, as decay can eventually lead to severe infections. To help you safeguard your smile, these dentists of Beatrice, NE, highlight three of the most important—yet simplest—ways to prevent cavities.

3 Best Ways to Prevent Cavities

1. Practice Oral Hygiene Regularly   

Cleaning your teeth thoroughly twice a day is essential to clearing away food debris and bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. This routine should include two minutes of brushing twice a day, in which every side of every tooth is cleaned. Additionally, you should floss at least once a day to remove buildup from in between teeth and along the gums. Dentists also encourage rinsing with mouthwash for about 30 seconds to kill any oral bacteria they may be lingering behind.

2. Snack Smart

What you eat throughout the day plays a big role in overall oral health and cavity protection. For starters, it is critical to minimize your sugar intake as much as possible. While not dangerous to teeth themselves, sugar and other carbohydrates provide fuel to bacteria that allow them to spread and attack enamel.

Apart from avoiding sugar, it’s also important to include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet. For example, calcium-rich dairy items—such as cheese and yogurt—can help strengthen teeth. High-fiber fruits and veggies can also promote the production of saliva that helps clean teeth.

3. Don’t Skip the Dentist

While daily at-home care is critical to keeping cavities at bay, it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning. Using specialized tools, dentists and hygienists can remove plaque buildup—a colorless bacteria-rich film that increases tooth decay risks. Once cleaning is over, dentists can also treat your smile with fluoride and sealant to help defend teeth.  

If it’s been a while since your last professional teeth cleaning, Gleason Family Dental offers the general dentistry care you need to help keep your smile in top shape. In addition to preventive care, these specialists are equipped with the latest tools to treat cavities and restore damaged teeth. For more details about this clinic’s commitment to comfortable and affordable care, visit their website. You can also call (402) 228-3119 to schedule a convenient dental appointment at their convenient location in Beatrice, NE.