“You must brush your teeth twice a day to prevent cavities”– is something we have all heard this a zillion times, isn’t it? Not just brushing but even flossing our teeth as often as we can is recommended. But, have you ever wondered how these dental hygiene practices can help prevent tooth decay? Ask any top dentist in Mumbai, and they will always tell you that brushing and flossing regularly and in the right way are two important ways to prevent tooth decay and its spread. 

Our teeth may form a small part of our body but, nevertheless, an integral part of it. They perform the important function of chewing before the food is swallowed and digested. Any top dentist in Mumbai would tell you that dental infections are the second most common infection in humans after the common cold, which makes it imperative to take extra care of our teeth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing is not enough to keep tooth decay from spreading. Yes, it is not enough! So, here’s a list of Don’ts and Do’s that you must follow if you wish to stop tooth decay from spreading. 

Limit your frequent snacking and sipping

We have all been told not to munch on candies, chocolates or sweets as they cause cavities. These were not made-up stories that are told to kids but real facts. The bacteria that live in our mouth use these sugary foods to form acids that destroy enamel and the rest of the tooth forming a cavity. 

So, what can you do? Here is what any top dentist in Mumbai will recommend:

  • Firstly, you must limit your snacking and sipping on sweet drinks. 
  • Secondly, always rinse your mouth after you eat food. 
  • Third and the most important thing to do is to drink water frequently that helps to flush out the remnants of food and sugars on the teeth.

Stick to tooth-healthy foods

As mentioned earlier, we must avoid sweet, sticky foods that can cause tooth decay. At the same time, we must also include foods like fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber and help clean the teeth surfaces. All top dentist in Mumbai advises you to eat foods that improve the flow of saliva as it flushes out food stuck on your teeth, and also helps remineralize the tooth enamel. This helps reverse tooth decay in its very early stages.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste

The tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It is made up of calcium and phosphorous salts. But it falls prey to the acids secreted by bacteria, which results in tooth cavities. 

To prevent the spread of these cavities, any top dentist in Mumbai will advise you to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash. However, consult with your dentist before using a fluoride toothpaste for your child.

Get into the habit of flossing

Earlier on, we discussed the importance of flossing. Any top dentist in Mumbai will tell you to floss before brushing your teeth. Surprised? Well, that should be the order as flossing helps remove any food debris stuck between your teeth before you can brush them away. 

Also, flossing before brushing helps the fluorides from your toothpaste reach the parts of the teeth that would otherwise be filled with food. Many a time, it may be difficult to brush your teeth, but flossing is usually possible. 

Quit smoking

Smoking is injurious to health, and its effects are far reaching. Speaking dentally, smoking causes damage to teeth, gums, and jaw bone. It makes them susceptible to infections, including tooth decay. 

A large majority of smokers have many decayed teeth, more so because it is difficult to spot an early brown or black spot due to the tobacco stains. You can ask any top dentist in Mumbai for the effects of smoking on tooth decay and its spread!

Oil pulling

This is an ancient, age-old technique that has been used for good oral health. It involves swishing oil, preferably coconut or extra-virgin olive oil, in the mouth to eliminate harmful bacteria. The oil is used much like mouthwash and helps to reduce bacteria in your mouth. Thereby reducing the chances of tooth decay and its spread.

Consider dental sealants

We all have the same set of 32 teeth, but each of our teeth is different in terms of the grooves and crevices on them. This is determined by the genes that we inherit from our parents. Due to this, some people’s teeth have deeper and narrower grooves that act as the perfect trap for food and, subsequently, cavity-causing bacteria. 

This makes some people more to tooth decay than the others. But, there is a solution to this problem – the use of sealants. Sealants are dental materials, usually rich in fluorides that are applied to the surfaces of teeth that have deep and narrow grooves. Any top dentist in Mumbai can perform this treatment, and this is a great way to prevent the development and spread of tooth decay.

Visit your dentist regularly

Probably one of the most important ways to keep tooth decay from spreading is bey visiting your dentist. Yes, you must visit your dentists once every 6 months, even if you have no dental problem. Regular dental visits enable your dentist to monitor your dental health and catch early tooth decay and treat it before it spreads! You can visit any dental clinic or top dentist in Mumbai, like our team of dental experts at Sabka Dentist for your regular dental checkups.