How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues, but the good news is that it’s also preventable. As long as you’re using the right habits and professional care, your teeth will stay strong and healthy for years to come. Whether you’re already seeing signs of decay or want to get ahead of it before it takes root, this article contains everything you need to know about preventing tooth decay, straight from experts providing same day dentistry NJ residents trust to keep their smiles bright and healthy.

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What is Tooth Decay?

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that “Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth.”

It happens because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is constantly building up on your teeth. The bacteria feed on sugars from the food and drinks you consume, producing acids that attack the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, the acid creates cavities, or holes, in your teeth.

The key to stopping tooth decay before it progresses into more serious issues is catching it early. NJ tooth decay treatment plays a huge role in this. Without it, tooth decay can escalate into more serious dental problems like infections and tooth loss.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Your first line of defense against tooth decay should always be a good oral hygiene routine. It’s imperative that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, for at least 2 minutes each time. You also need to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth—your toothbrush can’t reach these areas.

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the need to “Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste” and “clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose”

These are by far the best and easiest dental care tips for tooth decay NJ residents can leverage to keep their teeth free of cavities.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

The Cleveland Clinic reminds us that, “Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugary, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice and milk). The bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids.”

The plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth love sugar, and they use it to produce the acids that harm your teeth. Therefore, consuming less of these sugary foods and drinks can reduce your risk of developing cavities. If you do eat something with a lot of sugar, rinse your mouth afterward to help wash away some of the residue.

Avoiding, or at least limiting the sugary foods and drinks you consume is one of the most effective methods for preventing cavities same day dentistry practitioners agree upon.

Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

The ADA stresses that you should “Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.” This way, you catch early signs of problems before they become major issues. Professional cleanings like this remove the plaque and tartar that sticks around despite your regular daily brushing. Your dentist will also be able to spot cavities in their early stages and provide the appropriate NJ tooth decay treatment.

If time is a concern, plenty of dentists offer same day dentistry in NJ so you can get your problems treated in one visit. You won’t have to wait weeks for a follow-up and can quickly get back to maintaining your oral health.

Consider Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments

Dental sealants are a protective coating that dentists can apply to the chewing surfaces of your molars, which are the areas most vulnerable to decay. The sealants fill in the tiny grooves in your teeth where food particles and bacteria can hide, fortifying them against cavities and decay.

Alternatively, fluoride treatments make your enamel stronger, so it’s better able to resist the acids that cause decay. There are many NJ fluoride treatments for tooth decay available in dental offices all over the area that’ll significantly reduce the risk of cavities, especially in children, who are more prone to them.

Dental sealants in NJ for tooth decay prevention, along with fluoride treatments, can give you that extra boost you need to maintain stronger, healthier teeth in your battle against tooth decay.

Avoid Tobacco Products

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “adults who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to have untreated cavities as those who never smoked,” and that “Smoking or using smokeless tobacco increases the risk for oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.” As a result, if you use tobacco, quitting will cause a significant improvement in your oral health, especially when it comes to tooth decay.

Drink Water and Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Drinking water, especially if it has fluoride added, helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, which is vital for maintaining good oral health. The Oral Health Foundation also says chewing sugar-free gum can reduce the potency of the decay-causing acid in your mouth, as the gum “helps the mouth to produce more saliva – the mouth’s natural defense against acid.”

Fighting Against Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is common enough that you’ll likely have to deal with it at some point in your life, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By practicing good oral hygiene, watching what you eat, and staying on top of your regular dental visits, you can keep cavities at bay. Same day dentistry NJ makes it even easier to get fast, effective care when you need it. If you’re due for a checkup or need NJ tooth decay treatment, schedule an appointment with your local dentist today to keep your smile healthy and bright.