If your dentist were to ask you how much you care about the health of your teeth, you would probably answer that you care a great deal about them. However, do the choices that you make on a routine basis truly indicate that to be true? There are surefire ways that you can do to protect your teeth from cavities. These simple choices will go a long way in ensuring that your teeth last a lifetime.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Every Day. Yes, you have heard this probably all of your life – but do you do it? If your answer is like most people’s answer of, “I brush twice a day, but I do not floss every day,” then you are 50% more likely to have cavities develop in your mouth. Brushing the teeth twice a day is very important and should never be neglected because it brushes away the plaque that forms on the outside surfaces of the teeth. However, flossing is even more important that brushing, so if you are not flossing your teeth on a daily basis then your mouth is very susceptible to cavities. Flossing removes the plaque and food particles that brushing leaves behind. Without both brushing and flossing every day, your mouth remains a breeding ground for cavities to develop.

Rinse Your Mouth After Eating. This is easily something that you can make a habit! By rinsing out your mouth after you eat or drink a beverage, you are rinsing away a large amount of leftover sugars so that they do not hang around in the mouth and cling to your teeth. Next to brushing and flossing right after mealtime, rinsing the mouth is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. Even if you only use water, you are still helping with the prevention of cavities.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly. If you cannot remember the last time that you visited your dentist then it has been too long. Keeping regular dental appointments is extremely beneficial to the health of your mouth. Your dentist is able to keep a close eye on your teeth, gums and entire mouth to ensure that nothing shady is going on. Just as with any illness or disease, early detection allows for early intervention – and this greatly increases your rate of success in preventing cavities or other oral health issues.

Request Dental Sealants. Dental sealants do exactly what you would expect them to do: they seal out dangerous issues. Dental sealants are placed on the back molars, which have deep grooves and pits that like to trap debris and form cavities. Having your teeth sealed keeps cavities out!

Eat Healthy. There is a reason why your doctor, your spouse, and your dentist tells you to maintain a healthy diet! A diet that is healthy promotes optimal health in the mouth and the entire body. Also, a diet that is low in sugar, acids, and sticky substances prevent cavities in the mouth.

At Gold Hill Dentistry, we care about our patients, and we are here to help you achieve the healthiest smile possible. By making a few simple choices you can protect your mouth from cavities. Don’t forget to call our practice and schedule your next dental appointment!