6 Habits That Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Kids aren't the only ones prone to tooth cavities, but you can take steps to lower your risk for tooth decay and other dental problems.

Just as healthy habits can help protect your body against disease, healthy dental habits can safeguard against tooth decay and help avert other dental problems as well.

Dental Problems: How Tooth Decay Happens

Tooth decay occurs from the buildup of plaque acids on your teeth. After eating a meal or snack, bacteria in your mouth start working (they’re especially fond of meals that contain carbohydrates and sugars) and break down leftover particles of food, which produces acids. The acids then combine with debris in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque tends to deposit on molars and near the gum line of teeth.

Plaque acids build up quickly, within 20 minutes after eating, and can be destructive to your dental health. Plaque continues to harbor these acids and is the leading cause of periodontal disease, or gum disease. "When acids are left on the teeth, they demineralize the teeth," says Jolene R. Zirnheld, DMD, of the Louisville Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky. In other words, acids make the enamel of the tooth weaker. If the weakened tooth continues to decay, then a hole, called a tooth cavity, will form. If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth decay will continue, and the cavity will enlarge. An abscess, or infection, may develop, and eventually, the tooth can be destroyed.

Six Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth

Most people know that brushing and flossing are important to prevent dental problems, but Dr. Zirnheld says that today that's just not enough for healthy teeth. "In this age of soda, coffee, sports drinks, and bottled water, it is easy to develop cavities," explains Zirnheld. "Most people drink bottled or filtered water — which does not contain tooth-strengthening fluoride — sip on soda, or grab a latte without brushing after." All these habits can weaken teeth, and the sugar from beverages like soda, juice, and milk feed the bacteria in your mouth, allowing tooth decay to set in.

Here are six healthy habits to prevent tooth decay and promote healthy teeth:

1. Brush frequently. Once a day won't cut it: Every morning and every night is the minimum to maintain healthy teeth and prevent dental problems. It’s even better to continually get rid of food particles that lead to tooth decay throughout the day. "The key is to drink or eat your meals or snacks and then brush very soon after," says Zirnheld. "If that is not possible, rinse with water or chew a sugar-free gum to help reduce the plaque and lower the acidity of your mouth." You should also use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth and protects them against decay.
2. Floss daily. Though brushing is important, it's not enough. Your toothbrush can't get into those deep nooks and crannies in between your teeth, but dental floss can. Flossing at least once per day is necessary to get rid of the food particles hiding between your teeth and any plaque that has already formed.
3. Get regular dental checkups. See your dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup twice each year to keep teeth clean and healthy. Your dentist may also take X-rays of your teeth to look for early signs of tooth decay.
4. Limit sugary foods and drinks. No sugarcoating here! All those sweets stick to your teeth and lead to decay when bacteria feed on them and form acids. If you’re going to enjoy a snack, be sure to swish with water or brush your teeth right after. Otherwise, the bacteria that enter to break down the food end up creating plaque, which can destroy your enamel and create dental problems.
5. Drink tap water. Though bottled water may seem convenient or healthier, it's lacking something very important for dental health: fluoride. Tap water from most municipal water systems has added fluoride, but bottled water doesn't contain enough to protect teeth.
6. Get a sealant. Sealants are used to coat and cover the teeth in the back of your mouth to prevent tooth decay. A plastic sealant (or coating) is applied, which helps prevent plaque buildup in those tough-to-reach places. Though usually applied to children's teeth, adults can get them, too.

Remember that cavities don’t just affect kids. Following these healthy habits throughout adulthood will help you protect your teeth from tooth decay.

Reference: Everyday Health By Diana Rodriguez

Senior Citizens need good oral health habits too!

 

Brush and floss daily 

Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important for you as it is for your grandchildren. Even though it may have been years since you’ve had a cavity, your risk of cavities increases with age. One of the reasons is dry mouth — a common side effect of many prescription medications. 

Dr. Tyler Wolf, president of the West Michigan District Dental Society, recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

“It’s a good idea to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to get to those hard-to-reach areas,” Wolf said.

Another suggestion for those who may have problems with arthritis, or other conditions that limit movement, is to try an electric toothbrush.

It is important to clean between the teeth daily with floss.

“If floss is too difficult to work with, try a floss pick or tiny brushes made to clean between the teeth,” Wolf said. 

Clean dentures daily 

 Just as bacteria stick to your teeth, it also will stick to your full or partial dentures. Be sure to clean your dentures every day with cleaners made specifically for dentures. Do not use toothpaste for natural teeth or household cleaners, which are too abrasive and can damage dentures that can be expensive to replace. “Take your dentures out  of your mouth for at least four hours every 24 hours to keep the lining of your mouth healthy,” Wol f said. It’s best to remove your full or partial dentures at night. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how long your dentures should be worn each day. 

Visit your dentist regularly 

Wolf emphasizes it is important to get regular dental checkups and to not wait until you have pain.

“As you age, the nerves inside your teeth become smaller and less sensitive. By the time you feel pain from a cavity, it might be too late to save your tooth,” Wolf said.

Your dentist also will check for more serious conditions such as oral cancer and gum disease, which do not always cause pain until the advanced stages of the disease. By then, it often is more difficult and costly to treat.

When you visit your dentist for a checkup, it’s a good idea to bring the following information: List of all medications,  including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs 

 List of medical conditions and allergies Information and phone  numbers of all health care providers Information about your emergency contacts Dental insurance or Medicaid cards Your dentures or partials, even if you don’t wear them 

Drink water with fluoride 

No matter what age you are, drinking water with fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first community in the country to add fluoride to its public water supply.  

Quit smoking 

It’s never too late to quit smoking. Smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It also slows healing after dental procedures and can decrease the success rate of dental implants.

Talk to your dentist about quitting. There are tobacco cessation programs, overthe- counter products and prescription medications that your dentist can prescribe or recommend to help you quit for good. 
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association