How to Prevent Tooth Decay

When talking about things people fear or hate, one thing that is normally brought to attention, is visiting the dentist. 

I'm not sure where this phobia has come from, maybe it's because people don't like virtually a stranger, poking around inside there mouth, inspecting and judging it; and if deemed unfit, they'll break-out the drills. :) 

I'm fine with visiting the dentist, but I know a lot of people who don't like to pay the dentist a visit, and who categorically wont go. 

With many people refusing to go to the dentist, tooth decay and other problems in the mouth is not unheard of. Most people won't be able recognise these, and this can lead to further problems.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is an infectious disease produced by bacteria. During the process of tooth decay, the hard tissues of the tooth are softened, broken down, and destroyed. The bacteria feeds on sugar, which is what drives this process.

Actions we can take

Like most things, there are things we can do, or change in our lives, to help prevent them. That's no different with tooth decay, as there are things we can put in place to help prevent it.

1. Brush your teeth

The main thing we can do to help prevent tooth decay is to simply brush our teeth. It's very easy to do and isn't a major time-consumer. You should brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Normally one after breakfast, one after lunch, and one after dinner/tea.

Try to wait around 30 minutes after you've eaten, as this allows the enamel of the teeth to re-harden. Also, try to brush with up-and-down motions, or circular motions, as brushing side-to-side can actually damage the gums. (My dentist told me that one). :) 

2. Limit your sugar in-take

Our bodies need sugar, so cutting sugar out completely, is not only stupidly dangerous, but would also be a very hard thing to do. Just try to avoid excessive amounts of sugary foods and liquids. 

For example; soft drinks, sweets, sauces, chocolate etc. It doesn't mean you can never have any of these, but just try to be sensible with the amount you intake.

3. Floss

As good as brushing your teeth is, especially if done for the recommended amount of time, done at regular intervals, brushing can still miss spots in your mouth; as brushing can't properly clean in-between the small gaps of your teeth. 

This is where flossing comes in and is another quick thing to do to keep your mouth fresh. Some good floss products are Oral-B Interdental Brush, Reach Stim-U-Dent, and Sulcabrush.

4. Visit the dentists

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! This may be your reaction if you really don't like visiting the dentist, but it is something that really helps with maintaining mouth hygiene. 

A recommended guideline to go by, is once every six months. I do realise that the dentists can be expensive, and so can be a contributing factor to why you may not go.

5. Change your toothbrush

After some time, bacteria can start to build up on your toothbrush and so can be an ineffective cleaner. Also the bristles start to wear down and can't brush bacteria off as effectively. Around every 3-4 months is when a recommended change should take place.

6. Get enough calcium

Make sure that you're getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium maintains a strong and healthy jaw bone, which ensures tight fitting teeth where bacteria cannot thrive. Calcium should be taken in larger quantities in younger individuals, as the teeth and bones are still growing and developing.