We all dream of visiting the Winnipeg dentist and hearing them say, “You don’t have a single cavity. Great work!”
But for that to happen, you need to prevent your teeth from decaying between cleanings.
When teeth decay, deep pits are formed, and can accumulate food. This leaves your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria. Once a cavity develops, it’s permanent. The only way to repair the teeth is to have them filled at the dentist.
You want your teeth to stay healthy and strong; naturally, you’re looking for ways to prevent tooth decay. We’ve compiled some information about how to keep bacteria off of your teeth:
Effective Prevention Methods
It’s time to get serious about warding off cavities. You’re ready to step your oral hygiene routine up a notch. To do that, try implementing these healthy teeth habits:
Use fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that protects your teeth and improves their resistance to acids. You can apply fluoride to your teeth in a few ways:
- Mouthwash. Swirl a few teaspoons of fluoride mouthwash in your mouth before bed. After a minute, spit it out and try not to swallow any. Once you’ve cleaned your teeth with fluoridated mouthwash, avoid drinking water or rinsing your mouth.
- Toothpaste. We recommend flossing before applying toothpaste. Food debris can decrease the efficacy of fluoride. You only need a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to get the job done.
- Tap water. Did you know that the tap water in Winnipeg contains fluoride? This helps prevent tooth decay in the general public. Try to drink a few glasses of tap water each day—it will help you stay hydrated and avoid cavities!
Reduce your intake of sugars, acids, & starches
You probably already know how damaging sugar can be for your teeth; it’s something we’re told as kids whenever we’re caught eating candy.
Acid is another cause of tooth decay. It breaks down the enamel of a tooth.
Starches may not seem like they’re bad for your teeth. But these carbohydrates are broken down into sugar by your saliva. Starches are found in foods like potatoes, bread, and pasta.
Visit the dentist
Cavities often develop after tartar (or calculus) forms on the teeth. This mineral accumulates when plaque hardens on the teeth. Due to plaque’s sticky surface, it attracts bacteria, which makes a tooth more susceptible to cavities.
Signs Of Tooth Decay
Worried that you may be developing a cavity? Pay attention to the following symptoms:
Sensitivity & pain
As enamel wears away, the nerves of your teeth become more exposed. This heightens your sensitivity to hot and cold beverages. It may even lead to a toothache.
Discolouration
As we age, certain foods and beverages stain our teeth. But decay can also lead to discolouration. Enamel loss reveals the yellow layer of dentin. A tooth that’s developed a cavity may turn yellow, brown, or black.
Deep pits in the teeth
Run your tongue along the grooves of your teeth. Do the chewing surfaces seem deeper than you remember? It could be due to tooth decay.
One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is to visit a Winnipeg dentist for a cleaning. At EK Dental, we can inspect your teeth to identify any cavities; if we find any, we’ll schedule you in for a filling. Call us today to book your next cleaning.