By cynthiawitson88 July 1, 2017 - 4:49pm

Going to the dentist often does not sound too appealing for most; sometimes we forget the importance of good oral and dental hygiene and how to maintain it. Not keeping up with your dental hygiene can lead to your worst enemy, cavities.

Tooth decay is caused by a creation of harmful bacteria in the mouth; which is accumulated by foods such as carbohydrates (sugars and starches) that are left on your teeth. The bacteria known as plaque are very acidic and cause the enamel of your teeth to erode away. If you wait long enough, the cavity becomes bigger and bacteria from your mouth can invade the pulp of the tooth and cause inflammation that can progress into an infection known as an abscess.

Doesn’t sound too appealing now; does it? Cavities are no fun; and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Here at dentist in Birmingham Al we are devoted to bringing our patients the best care with long lasting smiles. To help you get started to preventing tooth decays, we have provided you with 5 dental health tips:

Brush Your Teeth Regularly
The obvious solution; right? Well believe it or not, sometimes we all need a reminder! The best way to keep cavities away is to keep your teeth clean.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day; however if possible brush it after every meal using fluoride containing toothpaste.
Brushing is important but making sure you are brushing thoroughly and properly is key! Don’t forget to floss those teeth at least once a day as well.

Change Your Diet
Not saying you can’t have a bar of candy once in awhile, but overdoing it can harm your teeth. Any kind of sugary snack or drink causes acid to form in your mouth and can lead to tooth decay.
If you have a sweet-tooth, it’s okay to eat it in moderation but it’s best to try and swap that piece of candy to more healthier snacks such as fruits and vegetables.
And don’t forget to drink a lot of water!

Find the Right Toothbrush
Size and shape depend on the size of your mouth and preference, but you want to make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, and that you replace it every three months or sooner.
Soft brushes help to do a better job at brushing, while a hard brush can scratch the enamel.
After brushing your teeth, make sure you let it to dry because wet brushes can breed bacteria.

Quit Bad Habits
We don’t often realize that bad habits such as smoking can affect our oral health. Smoking can put your health at risk but also can raise the risk of cavities and oral cancer.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Make sure you are scheduling a visit with your dentist for professional teeth cleanings and oral exams regularly; your dentist will be able to detect any early signs of a cavity and help to prevent it.
Waiting to see the dentist for cavities can worsen the problem, which could lead to bigger issues, such as a root canal.

It’s important that you start taking these dental health tips seriously; not only will it help you to prevent any future tooth decays but also get you on track for a healthier and brighter smile.