Did you suffer from several cavities in 2016? Or, are you simply interested in doing all you can to protect your great oral health in 2017 and beyond? The great news is that cavity prevention is neither time consuming or overly complicated. It just requires some diligence and smart decision making in both your dental hygiene routine and your dietary choices. Of course, preventive dental appointments should also be a priority if you really want to enjoy great oral health!
Limit Your Sugar Intake
Many people don’t realize that the bacteria in the mouth feed mostly on sugar or simple starches, so the more of these you consume, the more likely you are to struggle with dental decay.
To protect your smile, then, it is best to limit your sugar consumption. Sure, cookies, cupcakes, candy and other obviously sweet treats might seem like the biggest culprits when it comes to sugar. But there are a number of packaged products that are surprisingly high in sugar, so it is best to read the label of foods and drinks before buying. Anything that lists sugar as one of the first ingredients, should be avoided, if possible, or treated as an occasional treat, not a daily staple. Sodas and other sugary, acidic beverages can be particularly problematic, since most people drink slower than they eat.
Don’t Skip Routine Checkups
In addition to daily dental hygiene including brushing and flossing, it is important to make routine dental visits a priority in your schedule. Most patients find they need to have their teeth cleaned at least twice a year, in order to adequately prevent cavities. However, if you are particularly susceptible to dental decay, you may find that you actually require more frequent visits in order to effectively prevent cavities, that would require dental fillings.
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