The sugar in the foods and drinks we consume feeds the harmful oral bacteria that cause decay. Because of this, those who have a sweet tooth might find it particularly hard to prevent cavities. Fortunately, you don’t have to completely give up sugar to keep your smile healthy. Read on to learn five tips that will help you keep your sugar cravings from ruining your pearly whites.
Tip #1: Keep a Dental Kit on You
A lot of us live busy lives. From work to school to spending time with loved ones, it’s unlikely that you’ll stay in one place for long. If you’re out and about a lot, you may also find that you eat a lot of unhealthy foods that contain high levels of sugar out of convenience. This is why you should carry a dental travel kit with you that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a mini bottle of mouthwash. This will make it easy for you to clean your teeth on the go so that sugar doesn’t remain in your mouth for long periods.
Tip #2: Buy a New Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time is key to keeping oral health issues at bay. But, if you’re using an old toothbrush, cleaning your pearly whites won’t be as effective as you think. Toothbrush bristles begin to fray and become less handy at cavity prevention over time, so make sure to get a new one every three to four months. Make sure it has soft bristles to prevent enamel damage and consider buying an electric model since they’re better at removing plaque. Additionally, use toothpaste that contains fluoride to keep your pearly whites as strong as possible.
Tip #3: Floss Every Day
Though toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque from your pearly whites, the spaces between your teeth can’t be thoroughly cleaned without flossing. Make sure to floss at least once per day, preferably before bed, to lower your chances of developing cavities between your teeth.
Tip #4: Rinse with Mouthwash
Even with brushing and flossing, there are still parts of the mouth that don’t get as clean as they could. Buy a mouthwash that contains fluoride to thoroughly clean your mouth. As a bonus, it can also be used to quickly freshen your breath.
Tip #5: Be Picky with Sweets
Rather than eating all the sweets at your disposal, practice moderation and be picky about what you eat. If you’re offered cookies at work but you know you have a pint of your favorite ice cream in the freezer, it’s best to wait until you get home. This will allow you to cut back on your sugar intake while still indulging in your favorite treats every once in a while.
Taking the necessary steps to prevent cavities doesn’t mean you can’t eat cake, cookies, and candy anymore. Now that you know how to keep your sweet tooth from harming your smile, you’ll be able to enjoy the occasional treat without worry!
About the Author
Is your addiction to sweet treats getting in the way of a beautiful smile? Dr. Jason Hong and Dr. Kathy Lam are here to help! They offer preventive services like checkups and cleanings so you’re less likely to develop decay as well as treatments to fix existing cavities. They can also offer advice on how to protect your smile from future harm so it can remain healthy and problem-free. To set up an appointment with Dr. Jason Hong and Dr. Kathy Lam or for more information on how to prevent cavities, visit their website or call their office at (630) 789-1555.