While people work to control the rate at which they consume sugary treats, the fact remains that sugar is bad for the health of teeth. Tasty delicacies that are filled with sugar can quickly cause tooth decay and lead to cavities. When it comes to preserving the health of teeth, nothing should be off-limits. Healthy teeth are essential for promoting self-confidence, speech development, and a proper diet. With so many important reasons to preserve teeth, here are some key points that everyone should remember when it comes to preventing dental caries.
Brush and Floss Regularly
The first step in preserving teeth is maintaining a proper brushing and flossing regimen. When meals are finished, food is often left behind in the crevices between teeth and near the gum line. These morsels of food act as key nutrients for bacteria that live in the mouth. When bacteria digest this food, one of the waste products they leave behind is acid. Acid erodes enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities that are difficult to clean. Without an effective measure to clean in these decayed areas, the problems will only get worse. It is essential that people maintain a proper brushing and flossing regimen to prevent cavities from forming.
Minimize Sugar Intake
Maintaining a diet free from foods that are heavy in sugar is essential. While crumbs left over from meals make for delicious food for bacteria, sugar and glucose are the prime nutrients. Bacteria wind up in overdrive when running into glucose, as both bacteria and people use sugar for energy. Foods such as juices and candy are high in sugar. These sugars fuel bacteria to produce even more acid that can cause damage to teeth quickly. Therefore, people should stay away from foods that are packed with sugar to preserve their teeth.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
In addition to avoiding unhealthy foods, everyone should strive to maintain a balanced diet. Oral health and modern medicine are intricately connected both in school and patient care. Just like the rest of the body, the mouth relies on the immune system to keep bacteria at bay. Nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and folate are important nutrients that the immune system needs to churn out the body’s defenders such as white blood cells. Without a balanced diet, the immune system will slow its rate of production and give bacteria a chance to deal major damage to teeth and produce cavities.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
The most important piece of advice is to visit the dentist regularly for a deep cleaning. While brushing and flossing can clear out some of the food left behind, it can’t clean up everything. Over time, this builds up and becomes plaque and tartar. For residents of Pasadena, CA, Dr. Reynaldo Barbon of Superb Dental Care has been providing high-quality care. Anyone looking for a Pasadena dentist should contact Dr. Barbon today to schedule an appointment.
