Could You Do More to Prevent Cavities?

Are you worried that you may soon be diagnosed with yet another dental cavity? If you have frequently suffered from dental decay in the past, there could be a number of reasons why. The important question to ask yourself is if there is anything you can do to help better protect your smile in the future? The good news is that cavities are preventable. You simply need to combine healthy choices at-home with regular preventive checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth, and your gums for that matter, in great shape.

What Is Your Diet Like?

While most people think of brushing their teeth, when they think about preventive dental care, what you eat and drink on a regular basis can also have a huge impact on your oral health. So, if you want to keep your smile healthy, it’s important to limit how much sugar you are consuming, and to eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits and lean sources of protein.

For many people, the largest source of sugar is in their drinks, from sweetened teas and coffees to sodas and smoothies. So reach for water more often, as it can actually help to gently clean teeth, and also to create saliva which the body produces to help limit bacteria buildup on the teeth.

Are You Flossing and Brushing?

Another simple way to keep your smile healthy is by brushing and flossing every day. You should be brushing for at least two minutes in the morning and in the evening. This helps to remove bacteria and food particles that can lead to cavities.

Flossing daily is particularly important, yet often overlooked, because it can help to remove the bacteria that can fall between the crevices of the teeth.

How Often Do You See the Dentist?

Of course, no amount of healthy living at-home is an excuse to skip out on regular preventive dental care. Preventive checkups and cleanings give your general dentist a chance to check for potential problems before they have become advanced. They also keep the teeth and gums looking and feeling their best, by removing any existing tartar buildup.

Ready to Schedule Preventive Treatment?

Preventive dentistry can help protect your smile from cavities and other dental problems. You can schedule a dental checkup and cleaning by calling Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, at (319) 364-7108.