With so many temptations around, staying cavity-free is no easy feat. However, practicing proper dental hygiene and avoiding potential oral health pitfalls doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. Below are several tips to help you take control of your dental health and stay cavity-free this year.
And don’t forget to visit Dr. Jerry Farrell in Johnson City, NY. Call 607-304-3993 for your appointment.
Drink More Water
If you have developed a habit of sipping on soda or fruit juices throughout the day, do your mouth a favor and switch to water. Constant exposure to harmful acids, like those in soda, can do a lot of damage to your teeth. If you want to enjoy a soda on occasion, try to avoid sipping it over a long period. You want to limit the amount of exposure to the chemicals in soda that can do significant damage to your teeth.
Cut Back on the Sweets
Few things do as much damage to your teeth as sugar. When you consume sweets, the sugar feeds bacteria that cause tooth decay. Those bacteria then produce acid that erodes the teeth. Fortunately, cutting back on sugar doesn’t have to be a painful process.
Simple swaps can make all the difference. Read the nutrition labels and pay attention to added sugar. Instead of sipping on a soda, enjoy a refreshing glass of ice water. Chew on sugar-free gum instead of sticky fruit snacks. Reach for natural foods instead of processed snacks.
Schedule A Checkup with your Dentist
An essential step to preventing cavities is maintaining regular visits to your dentist. If you haven’t yet, schedule your next appointment at Dr. Farrell’s office. Dental checkups are recommended every six months to a year, so if it’s been a while since you have seen us, call today to make an appointment.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Arguably the easiest yet most effective way to stay cavity-free is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day for optimal oral health.
It is important to note that no matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth each time, flossing is still an essential part of a complete oral hygiene routine. Flossing ensures the area between each of your teeth is cleaned, removing any food debris or plaque buildup that may have gotten trapped there. To make the most of your teeth cleaning routine, try brushing your teeth after meals and flossing either in the morning or before bed. A thorough cleaning makes all the difference.
What to Do If You Think You Do Have A Cavity
If you think you do have a cavity, don’t panic. Even if you have taken significant steps to prevent one, cavities happen. Fortunately, at Dr. Farrell’s office in Johnson City, NY, the solution is just one visit to our office away. If you suspect you have a cavity, we are happy to take a closer look and see what we can do to fix the problem and get you back to pristine oral health as quickly as possible.
Call 607-304-3993 or contact us online.