4 Simple Ways to Keep a Cavity-Free Mouth

At the office of Dr. Tejal Kakade, we believe that a happy smile is a healthy smile. Regardless of your age, there are a number of things you can do to keep your teeth and reduce your risk of tooth decay. For the sake of your family’s oral health, try to implement the following four steps:

#1 Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Avoiding cavities is not as simple as avoiding candy. Along with sugary and sticky foods, try to minimize carbohydrates. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth like to feed on these substances! Be mindful of acidic foods and drinks as well, as these can erode your tooth enamel and leave your smile more vulnerable to decay. Instead, increase your intake of apples, leafy greens, celery and carrots!

#2 Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Routine brushing at least twice a day is non-negotiable for a healthy smile. In fact, you should be brushing with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes each session. Follow your tooth brushing efforts with flossing and mouth rinse to fully remove lingering bacteria, plaque and food debris. To up your oral hygiene game, you may also ask your dentist about an electric toothbrush or water flosser.

#3 Consider Dental Sealants
Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, adults can benefit from dental sealants too – especially if you are at a higher risk for cavities. Getting sealants is easy. They are simply a layer of plastic-like material that is painted on the top surfaces of your teeth to “seal out” harmful acids and sugars that cause decay.

#4 Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Even patients with impeccable dental hygiene habits need to see their dentist twice a year. A professional dental cleaning can remove hardened plaque that your toothbrush can’t. This routine visit also include x-rays and a careful evaluation of your mouth to detect dental problems at their earliest and most treatable stage.

Is it time for your six-month dental cleaning? Call Dr. Tejal Kakade today to schedule your appointment in our Carrollton office. If you already have signs of tooth decay, you can trust our dental team to repair it. We offer a full menu of services to restore your smile after cavities, gum disease or other damage.