Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay
Here are some tips to prevent tooth decay and improve your oral health. Brisbane holistic dentist Dr Rachel Hall shares her basic tooth decay prevention tips and also offers some additional advice that your dentist may never have told you.
Causes of Tooth Deacy
Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.
Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as bread, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth.
Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.
8 Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay
To prevent tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with mineral-rich toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
- Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners, such as Piksters or TePe brushes
- Rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash which has antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates and acidic foods or drinks such as sweets, bread and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
- Use a toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, which strengthens your teeth.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants – a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
- Drink water. Drinking 2 litres of water each day is needed to protect from tooth decay. Water helps stimulate saliva flow, washes away foods from the teeth and neutralises acids.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Other Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay
Chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol can help to retard the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Toothpaste and mouth rinses that can reverse and “heal” early cavities are also being studied and developed.
The keys to preventing tooth decay
Diet: natural, non-processed foods, good fats and minerals and vitamins. Especially Vitamin D, A and K2.
Water: alkaline water helps remineralise teeth and reduce acidity in the body.
Breathing: breath through your nose, not your mouth. Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and causes bacteria to increase which puts you at risk of tooth decay.
Regular dental visits and professional teeth cleaning can help reduce your risk for tooth decay and also detect issues early before they cause destruction of your dental health.
Holistic Approach To Dental Health
Evolve Dental Kenmore dentist offers an innovative approach to holistic dental health care of the mouth where we focus on the treatment of dental disease and understanding its underlying causes to support you to have a healthy mouth and a healthy life.
Holistic dentistry focuses on the connection of your oral health to your overall physical and mental health. Evolve Dental Healing holistic dentists evaluate your lifestyle habits, and diet in addition to your dental health when assessing your dental issues.
We work closely with other health practitioners, such as naturopaths, nutritionists, and medical practitioners, to give you the most comprehensive care available.
Dr Rachel Hall, Brisbane Holistic Dentist, is a dental expert with 30 years of experience. She has extensive experience in providing holistic dentistry, safe amalgam removal, and cosmetic dental services.
We offer state of the art technology and dentistry with a difference where your total health is as important as your smile.
Call us today to book your consultation and check-up call us today 07 3720 1811
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
