Janamashtmi is the start of festivals followed by Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dusshera, Diwali, Christmas & New Year’s which all involves lot of eating of yummy delicacies specially Sweets. Often in the festivity fun we neglect our oral hygiene and dental care resulting in dental cavities.
The common early symptoms of cavities are a chalky white or discolored spots on teeth and sensitivity to cold. As the cavity progresses, the decay gets near the nerve (pulp) and can cause pain, which gets progressively worse especially with exposure to heat, cold, sweet foods or drinks. If not taken care in time the decay gets large enough, part of the tooth may fracture off, leaving a large visible hole, and the tooth may be sensitive to biting pressure. Bad breath and or a bad taste in the mouth are also symptoms.
How to prevent your teeth from getting a Cavity
1. Brush Twice Per Day
Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two min each session, having a professional teeth-cleaning every six months, and having X-rays and a dental exam annually to detect cavity development.
2. Flossing Everyday
Brushing twice per day is a great way to clean most of the surface area of teeth, but it doesn’t clean all of it. Flossing is also a typical recommendation to keep teeth healthy. It’s important to floss between every tooth. Flossing clears food debris from the cracks between teeth. Leftover food can fuel bad bacteria that cause pits and cavities
3. Sugar Intake should be reduced
Reducing the amount of sugar, especially sugary drinks and juices, can help prevent cavities. It just may be good to consider brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after eating sticky foods. When you consume sugar, bad bacteria in your mouth feeds off of it and create acids that destroy tooth enamel. Additionally, reduce the amount of starchy carbs that you consume (like bread and chips) to keep your teeth strong. When left in the mouth for too long, starchy carbs eventually turn into sugar and fuel bad bacteria.
4. Eat More Dairy
Consume plenty of dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt in your diet. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, which plays an important role in strengthening teeth. It is said, your body stores 99% of its calcium in your bones and teeth! Milk and dairy products reduce tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Drink more water, which helps clean debris from teeth, and keeps you hydrated.
5. Dental Sealants
Many doctors now recommend Dental sealants, this may help prevent cavities. Dental sealants are most frequently applied to the teeth of children after their molars come in. Sealants are thin, plastic-like coatings on the surface of the molars that prevent the accumulation of plaque.
Excellent tips!