Do you know what the most common disease in children is? Did you know that the disease is dental caries, also known as cavities? Did you know that the same disease is very common in adults?
But the news isn’t all bad, since there are many things you can do to protect your smile. You’ve probably heard that you should brush and floss your teeth every day and that you should visit your dentist every six months. But have you ever wondered if there is anything else you can do to protect your smile? To help you keep your smile health—and to avoid tooth decay—we’re glad to list a few other things you can do.
One thing you can do to save your teeth from decay is reduce the amount of sugar you eat each day. While sugar itself does not cause tooth decay—that would be bacteria—it does aggravate the bacteria. It is especially important to avoid sugary drinks (such as juice) between meals.
Fluoride is also important for preventing decay. While fluoride can sometimes be found in drinking water, it can also be applied directly to your teeth by a dentist or be found in your toothpaste.
In children, sealants may be an effective way to protect your smile. Essentially, your dentist will paint a thin layer over your smile that will block out food and plaque. This is usually used on the back teeth, since they are harder to reach and therefore more prone to decay. However, please remember that having sealants does not replace the need brushing and flossing.
Do you have any other questions on how you can avoid tooth decay? Do you want to learn more about how you can protect your smile or are you hoping to schedule an appointment with our team? If so, please feel free to contact us.