We all know that we should brush our teeth twice daily and floss once daily. And we also know that sugary foods are bad for our teeth. But did you know that toothpaste and drinking water can help reduce cavities?

Read on to learn how to keep your pearly whites healthy and happy!

Know Your Risk

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah, one of Edina’s top dentists, at Magnolia Dental Care to assess your risk of developing cavities. Through regular dental checkups, you can gain valuable insights into how to maintain good oral health.

Dr. Sarah will be able to tell you where you stand, how to better your oral hygiene, and even changes to your diet that might help you.

Knowing your risk will also help you create a plan with Magnolia Dental Care that includes how often you should make appointments.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three to Four Months

Did you know that brushing with an old toothbrush can cause more harm than good?

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Bacteria can build up on the bristles of your toothbrush, causing bad breath and cavities in your mouth. By replacing it every few months, you’ll be sure that you’re removing all of those bacteria from your mouth so that it doesn’t affect your oral health any longer than necessary.

The bristles also start to break down, losing efficiency and friction. They can abrade gum tissues and cause wear to your enamel.

Floss Once a Day

Start a flossing habit and start with once a day. Brushing regularly only cleans three of the five sides of your teeth.

  • Use about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss and wind most of it around one hand.
  • Guide the rest between your teeth using a gentle sweeping motion, moving up and down while hugging the side of each tooth until you’ve covered them all.

Drink More Water

Water is the best thing you can do for your oral health. When you drink water, it helps to flush away food particles and bacteria that get stuck between teeth and gum tissue. It also keeps your mouth moist while eating so saliva doesn’t dry out too quickly, which can cause plaque to form more easily.

Drinking water helps you stay healthy, keeps your body functioning at peak performance, distributes healthy nutrients, and helps your body eliminate waste. It’s even better for your teeth if you’re drinking fluoridated water.

Quit Tobacco Use

Smoking and other tobacco use can cause many health problems. Beyond all the other equally good reasons to stop smoking, there are also your teeth.

Smoking and oral tobacco can have lasting and detrimental effects on oral health. It’s not just about the stains on your teeth either. They can cause damage to your mouth, your teeth, and your gums.

These tobacco products can lead to disease, tooth loss, and cancer.

Visit Dr. Sarah Latterell, One of the Best Dentists Near Edina, MN, for a Checkup and Cleaning at Least Every Six Months.

While brushing and flossing are important, they’re not enough to keep your teeth healthy. Regular visits with the Magnolia Dental Care team can help you prevent cavities by detecting problems early and treating them before they become more serious. Dr.Sarah will also be able to diagnose other oral health issues such as gingivitis (gum disease), plaque buildup, or dry mouth that may be contributing to tooth decay.

In addition to providing specific recommendations for improving your oral hygiene routine, Dr. Sarah often recommends fluoride rinses or toothpaste designed to prevent cavities.

FAQ

Can someone be more prone to cavities?

Yes. It’s not necessarily something that’s completely genetic, but some people are more prone to developing cavities. It’s more about lifestyles that are shared.

How do cavities develop?

Bacteria, high-sugar diets, and poor oral hygiene can all lead to spots on your teeth that become permanently damaged. This damage eventually will lead to tiny holes or cavities.

What’s a common cavity symptom?

Smaller cavities usually have no symptoms. So, if any symptoms occur you should make an appointment ASAP with Dr. Sarah Latterell, your local Edina Dentist. Symptoms of larger or deeper cavities include toothache, sensitivity, you see a visible hole in your tooth, there’s pain when you chew, or a strange stain on your tooth.