There’s nothing worse than trying to concentrate at work when you’ve got toothache or missing out on exciting weekend plans because your tooth is throbbing and you feel unwell. Tooth decay can make life a misery, so here are 5 ways you can help to keep it at bay.
- Brush: this is the simplest yet most effective means of preventing tooth decay. Decay occurs as a result of the presence of harmful oral bacteria, which join forces with food debris and saliva to form plaque. The best way to prevent plaque from forming is to brush the teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. Set a timer if you’re worried that you’re not brushing for long enough.
- Floss or use inter-dental brushes: brushing your teeth only covers a portion of the mouth, so optimise your cleaning power by targeting those hard to reach places with inter-dental brushes or dental floss. This will help to reduce the risk of plaque formation.
- Book a dental check: if you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-9 months, now is the time to make a call and schedule a routine check. Even if everything looks and feels fine, it can be tough to spot the signs of decay and your dentist will be able to detect any potential problems.
- Stay off the sugar: sugar is a major problem for your teeth and excessive sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of dental decay. Most of us enjoy a sweet treat from time to time, but keep an eye on how much sugar you consume.
- Take care with acids: acidic foods and drinks weaken and wear away the enamel, leaving you susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. If you are drinking something acidic, like fruit juice, dilute it and use a straw.
