Due to improper brushing and flossing, and the increasing availability of sugary drinks and snacks, cavities and tooth decay are the most common dental issues among children and adults. The best way to beat it is to prevent it!
Dr. Tanveer Riar, and his team at Riar Dental Arts, knows what it takes to prevent the plaque buildup that results in tooth decay, cavities, root canals and potentially tooth loss.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, everyday.
Brushing in the morning is an easy enough habit. It’s instinctual for a majority of patients to want to start their days with fresh, clean mouths. But all too often, between busy days and cozy beds, nightly brushing gets skipped. The trouble with not brushing at night is that all the plaque and food particles that have built up throughout the day don’t get a chance to be washed away. Those particles settle between your teeth and along your gums. By morning stages of decay may already have set in, and once the damage is done, it’s hard to repair.
If you do nothing else, make sure you brush at night. It’s the most effective way to deal with plaque buildup and tooth decay, and it’s essential to oral health.
Floss regularly.
While brushing is very effective, the bristles on your toothbrush can’t reach the small spaces in between your teeth. This is why we floss. Get between your teeth and under the gum line where food particles and plaque like to live.
Regular flossing will also help prevent gum and periodontal diseases, like gingivitis. These conditions happen when plaque builds up along and under the gum line, causing irritation, redness and swelling. Advanced stages of periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. So do yourself a favor and get flossing!
Nix the sweets.
Brushing and flossing are great for removing plaque and food particles from your teeth. But it’s important to understand the damaging effects of sugar. It’s one the leading causes of tooth decay because it sits on teeth and eats away at the enamel – the protective barrier of your teeth. And once that’s gone, it’s gone for good.
For optimal oral health and really clean teeth, cut down on sugary foods and beverages. If you just can’t kick the sweet stuff, brush after meals and try using a straw for your beverages. It’ll help the sugar bypass your teeth.
Brush your tongue.
Your tongue can harbor damaging bacteria that causes bad breath. Eliminate it with a good scrub. Some people prefer tongue scrapers, but they have a similar effect to your toothbrush. It’s an easy way to keep a clean, fresh mouth.
Come on in!
If you’re in the Bakersfield area and need a dentist who specializes in preventative dental care, call us today at (661) 832-1877 to make an appointment or visit our office to schedule in person at 5701 Young St #300, Bakersfield, CA 93311.
