Sugary foods and drinks can negatively impact your oral health and are leading factors in the development of cavities. While your saliva works to naturally combat the buildup of plaque and bacteria, too much sugar can overwhelm your teeth and gums. Properly protecting your mouth from the effects of sugar could help prevent tooth decay in Flower Mound, TX. However, even if you take at-home actions to clean and protect your oral health, routine dental cleanings and exams are still crucial in preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Flower Mound, TX
When you eat sugary foods or drinks, harmful bacteria in your mouth can grow and thrive. Bacteria feed off the sugar left behind on your teeth and produce acid. This acid weakens the enamel layer of your teeth, which often allows more bacteria to spread and form decay or disease. Avoiding extra sugar in your diet, cleaning your teeth properly, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year can help you keep your oral health high.
Limiting Sugary Content
Anytime you eat or drink something with sugar, it could lead to decay. Even natural sugars found in healthy foods, such as fruits, can cause excess plaque to build up in your mouth. Eating sugar in small amounts is generally safe, as your saliva has a naturally cleaning property. However, eating too much sugar could lead to a buildup too large for your saliva. And if you have chronic dry mouth, sugar can affect your oral health even quicker. Limiting the amount of sugar you eat, especially processed white sugar, can help your saliva clear away more harmful bacteria.
Brushing and Flossing
Sugar and bacteria lead to plaque, which can often be removed with proper brushing and flossing. Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. However, brushing or rinsing your teeth after consuming sugary substances could help reduce the effect of sugar on your teeth.
It’s important to note that acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel. If you try to brush your teeth after consuming something acidic, it could lead to enamel loss and decay. In these cases, it’s best to gently rinse your mouth with warm water to help loosen and clean the sugar without further damaging your teeth.
Dental Cleanings
Even if you brush and floss regularly, it’s nearly impossible to fully remove the full effects of sugar on your own. Seeing your dentist at least every six months is one of the best ways to help prevent decay and damage. Your dentist can also help track your oral health. They can suggest improvements to your oral hygiene routine, such as changing your toothpaste or adding a mouthwash, that could help reduce the effects of sugar on your oral health.
Getting routine cleanings and exams is crucial to help prevent decay and other dental damage. Call our office today at 972-640-7891 to schedule an appointment and set up your next cleaning.