Did you know that in one study by the CDC, over 90% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 were found to have at least one cavity? Dental problems are all too common, but fortunately there’s plenty you can do to fight back. Seeing as May is National Save Your Tooth Month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on good oral habits. Here’s how you can protect your pearly-whites – and how your dentist in Corpus Christi can help in a worst-case scenario.
How to Protect Your Teeth From Damage and Decay
When it comes to taking care of your oral health, you need to keep in mind that there’s all kinds of problems that can occur, from tooth decay to cracked teeth. Here are some good ways to take care of your mouth:
- Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best for your gums and are easier on the enamel of your teeth. A thorough brushing should take two to three minutes.
- Floss at least once a day. Use a slow and gentle motion, and make sure to get between every tooth. If you have trouble reaching certain spots in your mouth, you can use tools such as interdental brushes or water picks that a lot of people find easier to use than traditional floss.
- When playing a sport, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from physical harm.
- If you grind your teeth at night, get a nightguard to prevent them from being worn down.
- Don’t use your teeth to open containers or chew on extremely hard foods such as peppermints or ice.
- Don’t eat too many sugary foods, as they can encourage plaque formation. Also, limit your intake of acidic drinks such as soda that can dissolve tooth enamel.
- See your dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations.
How Your Dentist Can Save Your Tooth
Sometimes, despite every precaution, your tooth may become damaged to the point that it needs special attention to be saved; in these cases, you’ll want to call your dentist for appropriate treatment. There are many ways a tooth can be saved. Broken or severely decayed teeth can be restored with crowns and bridges that protect from further damage. If the source of an infection comes from inside the tooth, a root canal treatment can remove it.
There are several questions to ask yourself when taking care of your teeth. “Am I brushing regularly?” “Can I get to a dentist near me in case of an emergency?” “Is there anything I’m doing that’s putting my teeth at risk?” Be sure to adjust your oral health habits to make up for any deficiencies and speak with your dentist about any concerns you have. Save your teeth by preventing problems before they start!
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Pitarra is a native of Corpus Christi who strives to provide her community with excellent dental care; she believes the best thing about dentistry is building relationships with patients. She offers quality restorative treatments for patients with damaged or missing teeth, such as crowns, bridges, root canals, and dentures. To schedule a regular cleaning, visit her website or call (361) 855-7171.