How To Prevent Tooth Decay

How To Prevent Tooth Decay

As your trusted orthodontist in Maple Grove, Champlin, and Rogers, MN, we at Accorde Orthodontists make it our goal to give you the healthiest smile possible. While we’re proud to offer a comprehensive selection of efficient orthodontic treatments to keep your teeth looking straight and beautiful, the foundation of a healthy smile is through the prevention of tooth decay. We’d like to take this opportunity to explain why tooth decay occurs and what you can do to prevent it.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common human diseases; it’s actually the second most prevalent disease, only behind the common cold! With its frequently occurring nature, it’s no surprise that tooth decay can be caused in a variety of different ways. Some of the more common causes of tooth decay include:

 

  • Not brushing and flossing regularly

  • Not getting enough fluoride

  • Consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks

  • Using tobacco or inhaling smoke

  • Not having enough saliva

  • Grinding of the teeth

Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Even though tooth decay is an incredibly common condition, there are thankfully things that you can do to prevent it from occurring. The most important thing for you to do is to keep up with good oral and dental hygiene habits. Some of our recommendations for boosting your dental hygiene include:

 

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

  • Flossing your teeth daily or cleaning between your teeth with an interdental toothbrush.

  • Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash that contains fluoride.

  • Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that’s low on carbohydrates, sugar, and is also not very acidic.

  • Drinking fluoridated water.

  • Using a straw when you’re going to drink any beverages that are sugary or acidic. This will allow the drink to bypass the front teeth and not cause any damage.

  • Considering getting dental sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These are the most likely areas of your teeth to develop cavities because food can get trapped in the grooves of the chewing surfaces.

  • Visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.

Contact Your Maple Grove, Champlin, and Rogers Orthodontist!

If you have any further questions, we encourage you to contact us. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us, you can fill out our online appointment request form or give us a call at (763) 425-9888 for a complimentary exam. We hope to hear from you soon and help give you the healthiest smile possible!