1. Brush For At Least 2 Minutes
Most people brush twice a day, but many do not even realize that they aren’t brushing long enough. A 1998 study found that “there is a consistent difference in the time that patients believe they brush, and the time they actually spend brushing.”
To be on the safe side, try bringing an egg timer into the bathroom. Make sure you brush for at least 2 minutes, and remember to floss!
2. Skip The Soda
There are many reasons to cut soda out of your diet, not least of which is the affect it can have on your teeth. Worse yet, many people consume these beverages between meals, which can limit your saliva’s ability to neutralize the acids and sugars.
3. Choose Sugar-Free Gum
It’s so widely known that sugar-free gum is better for your teeth, that it has all-but replaced sugary gum on supermarket shelves. Chewing gums with Xylitol after meals, such as Trident, have actually been approved by the American Dental Association as an effective way to help prevent cavities. Xylitol is an natural sweetener with anti-microbial properties, and chewing gum can also help stimulate saliva flow.
4. Cut Out The Snacks
Snacking between meals can actually contribute to cavities, regardless of the type of food you eat. Your mouth needs a break between meals to produce saliva and restore a proper pH balance. As mentioned before, it is a good idea to chew sugar-free gum after a snack to help aid in this process.
5. Visit The Dentist Every Six Months
While practicing good dental hygiene is key, it’s also important to see your dentist regularly for a more thorough cleaning. Your dentist can also identify any cavities that are forming, so they can be filled before the problem gets worse.
Searching for a family dentist in Ventura? Look no further than Mark Weitzman D.D.S.! Our team takes pride in maintaining the highest levels of clinical excellence – call today for a free consultation.