Tooth decay is the first stage of cavity development. It occurs because the acids produced by plaque and bacteria cause mineral loss in your teeth, weakening the enamel. Acids in what you eat and drink can also cause your enamel to become weak. While your teeth naturally regain minerals, not replacing enough can result in decay that eventually turns to cavities. Fortunately, tooth decay can be reversed. T-Town Smiles can help you to reverse your tooth decay, prevent cavity formation, and improve your oral health.

 

Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the first things you can do to help reverse tooth decay is to improve your oral hygiene routine. This means making sure that you are brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing should last a full two minutes every time. It is important that you spend several seconds on each tooth and brush all of their surfaces. Use a fluoridated toothpaste, as this can help to remineralize your teeth.

 

Change Your Toothbrush Regularly

Your toothbrush is one of your main tools in the fight against tooth decay. To be effective, the bristles need to be in good shape. Otherwise, it cannot properly remove plaque and bacteria. Your toothbrush should be changed every 3 months. Keep an eye on the bristles though. If they begin to fray before 3 months, replace the toothbrush right away.

 

Watch What You Eat

A healthy diet is essential for healthy teeth. While sugars do not cause cavities on their own, they do feed bacteria, so it is important to watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake. Make sure that you eat a mix of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, dark, leafy greens, and dairy. A well-balanced diet will help you to get the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your teeth, your mouth, and your whole body healthy. Certain foods can also help to keep your teeth clean. For instance, crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to scrub your teeth of plaque and bacteria. Cheese helps to stimulate saliva, which helps to wash your teeth, remineralize them, and remove bacteria from your mouth.

 

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is essential for keeping you hydrated. This is important for salivary flow. Water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It also helps to neutralize acids. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

 

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugarless gum is made with Xylitol. This is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol, which helps to reduce plaque formation. It also affects how plaque attaches to your teeth. The act of chewing also stimulates your saliva, which helps to wash your teeth and eliminate bacteria.

 

Have Regular Professional Cleanings and Exams

Routine dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and healthy gums. We can also help you to reverse tooth decay. With cleanings, we can thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Exams allow us to look over your teeth to look for decay and determine if the decay has turned to cavities. If we do notice signs of decay, we can offer fluoride treatments. This is an application of a fluoride gel, which helps to remineralize and strengthen your teeth.

 

If you have any questions about reversing tooth decay, call T-Town Smiles at (918) 488-9770 today for more information.