Use a Reusable Straw
It is a good idea to reduce the amount of juice/soda you consume in a day, but when you do have any liquid that contains sugar or acid, it is beneficial to use a reusable straw. The function of the straw is that it allows the fluid to bypass your teeth as you drink, thereby reducing the exposure to the sugars and acids contained in most drinks, and reducing cavity risk. Try to avoid plastic straws if possible.
Reduce Sugar Intake
We all know that sugar causes cavities. This happens when bacteria in our mouths eat away at sugars and produce acids. When we eat foods that sugar, we give the bacteria in our mouth a feast. The more frequently sugar is consumed, the more regularly acids are exposed to the teeth. The types of sugars that are particularly cavity causing are foods that are gummy, chewy and sticky and will get caught in the biting surfaces of teeth, prolonging the exposure. By reducing sugar intake, we reduce our susceptibility to cavities.
Use a Sports Guard for Contact Sports
Sports guards are essential to use for any sport with physical contact. Boil and bite sports guards are a great option for small kids since their mouths are growing and changing. It is still recommended that kids of all ages wear a custom-made sports guard for maximum protection though. Custom-made sports guards are essential for adults who will be able to keep them for several years. Sports guards absorb the force of a hit and disperse it throughout the entire mouth, so one or two teeth don’t take the blow as a whole. Sports guards don’t work unless they fit very snug to the teeth. If they can be removed by popping them out with your tongue, they aren’t fitting tight enough and won’t work as they are intended to.
Use a Night Guard if you Grind Clench
If you think you grind or clench your teeth at night and do not currently have a night guard, talk to your dentist about it. If the habit persists without wearing a night guard, severe damage can be done to the teeth over time. Grinding/clenching can lead to wear on the top of the teeth. It can also shorten teeth, cause tooth sensitivity, jaw pain and TMJ issues.
Reduce Aggressive Brushing
Aggressive brushing can lead to recession of the gums. Always use either a super soft or a soft toothbrush, never medium or hard. Never apply too much pressure with the head of the toothbrush, use gentle brush strokes over the teeth and gums to remove bacteria. If you notice your gums starting to recede or shrink, talk to your dentist about options and look into changing your toothbrush type or brushing habits.
Get Cavities Fixed ASAP
When cavities are left untreated, they grow larger and can even turn into infections, leading to more extensive dental work and even tooth loss. Bacteria from cavities can also spread to other parts of your mouth and lead to more cavities. It is essential to restore cavities as soon as possible to minimize damage.