For most people, a dentist appointment is often due to the discovery of cavity, a damaged tooth, or pain in the teeth. They are of the notion that fillings are the answers to the cavity problem. However, what they do not know is that cavities and tooth decay can be treated and that the fillings are only one of the solutions available.
1. Dietary Changes
A change of diet that primarily focus on a reduced intake of sugar and foods that stain the teeth is useful; this is based on findings published in the British Medical Journal. It is possible to do things may be making easy dietary adjustments in your meals such as:
• Increase your calcium intake by eating calcium-rich foods, such as spinach, broccoli, collards, and dairy. The calcium is vital for bone health, strength and development.
• Avoid consuming carbonated beverages such as soda and artificial juices since they contain high amounts of refined sugar that causes the buildup of tartar and plaque leading to cavities.
2. Maintain Good Oral Care
In as much as the adjustments in what you eat are a preventive measure, this will not suffice. You also need to put up a protective front, and this means maintaining good oral hygiene routine. For this you will have to:
• Brush the teeth at least twice a day with the recommended toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste ensuring you reach every corner, crevice, and the surface of the teeth.
• Flossing once every day helps reach between the teeth and underneath the gums where the toothbrush couldn’t.
• Compliment the efforts of brushing and flossing with some bit of mouthwash. The solution kills remaining bacteria while also promoting fresh breath.
3. Supplement Your Diet
The need to increase your intake of micronutrients is essential to preventing and reversing cavities, promoting bone health, and preventing inflammations. Vitamin supplements can help trigger the production of saliva which helps lower the impact of bacteria in them mouth while also encouraging strong and healthy teeth. Some of the foods that you can eat that will increase saliva production include peas, bananas, and Brussels sprouts. Regarding the micronutrients, supplements consider taking Vitamin B supplements, iron, Vitamin D and magnesium supplements. Alternatively, you can get these micronutrients from organic sources such as sardines, salmon, tuna, vegetables, fruits, berries, and nuts.
4. Do more probiotics
The bacteria that cause cavities and the buildup of plague will hide in small tight spaces between the teeth. Taking probiotics can help mitigate the acidity in the mouth thus reducing the risk of developing tooth decay and bad breath among other issues. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi as well as other foods such as kefir, kombucha, and yogurt are an excellent source of probiotics. They promote the healthy bacteria in the mouth.
5. Watch pH Values In Drinks
pH imbalance in the mouth creates favorable conditions for harmful bacteria to thrive. Certain beverages such as coffee often affect PH values in the mouth, and the same goes for some kinds of fruits; these create the perfect environment for the infectious bacteria in the mouth to thrive. People who tend to have issues with tooth decay should consider switching to other beverages such as green tea. The tea has potent antioxidants called catechins as well as excellent anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the activities of bacteria in the mouth thus promoting oral health.
6. Develop A New Oral Care Regimen
Ever heard of oil pulling? It is a technique that involves the use of a soap like dental cleanse with antiseptic and moisturizing abilities. The method will have an oil such as coconut, sesame or sunflower oil swished in the mouth for around ten or so minutes for the oils to work on the plaque before spitting it out and then brushing the teeth. The technique has also been found to help reduce gingivitis.
If the cavity is struck, then a dental visit is the best option. The use of the steps mentioned above is only to limit the severity of the damage and more of good oral hygiene practices that ensure you are giving your pearly white some TLC (Tender, Love, and Care).
