We all know cavities are bad, not only for our oral health but also for our health in general. To avoid an extra trip to see our dentist, here are some tips on how to prevent cavities.
Your Part at Home
You can do the following at home in order to prevent cavities:
- Brush your teeth daily. Regular brushing 2-3 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is recommended.
- Brush your tongue to help freshen your breath and remove bacteria from your mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush 3-4 times per year (every 3 or 4 months) or as the bristles start to wear down.
- Floss daily. Daily flossing helps to loosen any food particles that gets stuck between the teeth. If you have braces, you should use a floss threader to get between the metal brackets. To ensure you are flossing properly and getting the most benefit, ask us to show you how next time you come see us.
- Eat a balanced diet. Provide your teeth with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
- Drink lots of water.
- Limit sugar (a major cause of cavities) including simple carbohydrates like white bread.
Coming to See Us
You know about your part, so here is ours. To help prevent cavities and other problems, we suggest you come see us at least every six months for a basic checkup. This allows us to give you a thorough dental cleaning, including fluoride treatment, flossing, digital x-rays, and oral cancer screenings which allow us to find and detect any problems.
We hope that you do your best to prevent cavities, but if you do feel one may have slipped through, please do not hesitate to see us. You’ll be smiling in no time!
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