How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Your dentists are always telling you that you need to be doing more to prevent those nasty cavities - and I'm sure you're not excited about having dentures in your old age. But what are the best ways to prevent tooth decay without visiting the dentist every two months? Here are some ways to keep your visits to the usual six months without any problem.

Brush your teeth. You know this, but are you making sure to brush your teeth twice a day? Does your toothpaste have fluoride in it? Are you angling your toothbrush toward your gums to reduce plaque build up between your gums and your teeth?

Floss. Yeah, it's a little bit of a pain, but it's one of the most important things you can do to prevent cavities - not to mention to keep yourself from ending up with a nice case of gingivitis. Remove debris from between your teeth each day.Keep some floss next to your remote control if you never think you have time - floss once you're through with your snacks.

Visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Visiting your dentist regularly now will prevent you from having to see him more often later. Remember that six month cleanings are cheaper and less painful than root canals.

Eat healthy food. Yeah, we know you like sugar. But whenever you can, avoid too many sweets and sugary drinks - these lead to increased plaque build up. If you do insist on eating sweets (don't we all?) make sure that you take extra care to get that extra sugar out.

Use mouthwash. Listerine, Crest Pro Health, or any other clinically valuable mouthwashes that you can stand are a great way to reduce plaque and pick up that debris that your floss missed. It shouldn't take the place of flossing or brushing, but it can certainly help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Chew sugarless gum after meals. Gums like Orbit, Eclipse and Extra have been given awards by the ADA for cavity prevention. The stimulation of saliva can actually keep your mouth from forming as much plaque, and it's especially helpful if you can't brush your teeth after a meal.

Take care of your teeth now to avoid the necessity of taking care of them with surgeries later. I promise it's worth a pack of gum and a bottle of mouthwash.