Do you love starting your morning with a delicious cappuccino? Maybe you enjoy ending your night with a big scoop of ice cream. While sugar in moderation is certainly okay, it can increase your chances of developing tooth decay if consumed in excess. That’s why it’s important to practice moderation – it’s one of the best ways to help prevent cavities! Here are five tips to help.
Tip #1: Opt for Teeth-Friendly Alternatives
As mentioned above, indulging in your favorite sweet treat is certainly okay. However, it’s a good idea to opt for more teeth-friendly alternatives when you can. Want gummy candy? Try eating some fresh fruit. Craving Doritos? Try eating some trail mix (one that’s low in added sugar, of course). Wish you had a bowl of ice cream? Try a fruit smoothie.
Tip #2: Keep a Travel-Sized Toothbrush and Toothpaste On Hand
One of the best ways to keep your teeth happy and healthy is by brushing them after each meal. That way, the food particles don’t have a chance to cling to your teeth for hours on end. When you’re at the office, going to class, or having dinner with friends, keeping some travel-sized dental care essentials can be extremely helpful. Once you get home, you can give your teeth and gums a more thorough clean.
Tip #3: Chew on Sugar-Free Gum Afterward
If you don’t have an on-the-go dental kit or you forgot yours at home, try chewing on some sugar-free gum! This will help stimulate saliva production, which will rinse away food particles and sugar from your teeth. Note: chewing on sugar-free gum is not a substitute – you should still complete your oral hygiene regimen once you get home.
Tip #4: Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth
Going to bed without brushing your teeth is a complete no-no. If you don’t clean your teeth before jumping under the covers, then you significantly increase your chances of developing a cavity, especially if you had something sweet that evening. It may seem inconvenient at the time, but taking the few extra minutes to complete your oral hygiene regimen will be well worth it.
Tip #5: Get a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Every Six Months
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash will go a long way. Of course, no oral hygiene routine is complete without a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. During these routine visits, your dental team can catch dental problems in the early stages and remove stubborn plaque and tartar to help prevent oral health concerns from developing down the line.
If you love all things sweets, don’t worry – you don’t have to eat only fruits and vegetables to keep your teeth healthy. Just implement the above tips to keep your smile decay-free!
About the Author
After graduating as the Valedictorian from his high school and attending the University of Missouri, Columbia, Dr. Eric L. Tolliver earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. To this day, he pursues advanced training and continuing education. As a result, he has experience with cosmetic smile design, implant dentistry, Invisalign, TMJ treatment, and more. If you want to learn more about how to prevent cavities or it’s been more than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (417) 887-5757.