To avoid dental decay, we’ve all been instructed to brush and floss. Tooth decay, on the other hand, is a very prevalent issue. From our post, here are eight simple things you can do to avoid dental decay.

1. Change your eating habits.

Changing your eating habits and adopting a healthy diet will always benefit your health, regardless of your aim. According to a study published in The British Medical Journal, depending on the stage of tooth decay, a change in diet can actually prevent or reverse it. We already know that eating sugary foods causes tooth decay. However, if you adjust your eating habits, you may never have to deal with this issue.

• Increase your calcium intake. It is the primary structural component of your bones and teeth. Consume dairy products (milk, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese) on a daily basis.
• Consume unsweetened beverages. Soda, juice, and carbonated drinks should be avoided. Try plain water, fruit smoothies, and unsweetened tea. Water has numerous beneficial impacts on the body, including enhanced hydration and saliva flow.

2. Chew sugarless gum.

It may seem counterintuitive, but chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent tooth decay. When you chew, saliva enters your mouth, which can naturally wipe away food residue, neutralize acids, improve dental enamel, and fight infections.

It can also assist to strengthen your enamel because chewing gum adds extra calcium and phosphate to your mouth. It can not only prevent cavities, but it can also remove acid from your mouth caused by meals and drinks. Sugar-free gum is even preferable if you take drugs that cause your mouth to dry out.

3. Clean and change your toothbrush regularly.

What is the most significant instrument for cleaning our teeth? Right! It’s a toothbrush. However, few people realize how critical it is to select the proper toothbrush.

• Always use a small or medium-sized brush with bristles that can reach into the recesses of your molars where food remnants can lurk after you eat.
• Covers for toothbrushes should be avoided since they can retain microbes and bacteria. Instead, after each use, simply clean your brush with water and let it to air dry. Also, avoid leaving your brush in the same room as your toilet, as fecal bacteria might accumulate on it.
• Brush bristles deteriorate with time and use, so replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. As a result, you don’t clean your teeth as thoroughly as you would with a new toothbrush.

4. Follow a basic dental care routine.

It may sound like overused advice, yet it is effective. According to the findings, 58% of adults never floss and 38.1% never use mouthwash. Sometimes we don’t know that our dental care isn’t up to par or that we need to make changes. Include the following measures in your dental care regimen in the morning and before going to bed if you want to prevent your teeth from early deterioration.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, reaching all the way to the back corners.
• Brush and floss your teeth. Brushing does not always work as effectively as flossing. Using floss, remove any residual food from beneath your gums and try to reach any germs that are trapped there.
• Make use of mouthwash. Any mouthwash has an antibacterial action and aids in the removal of any bacteria that may have remained in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth with water; this will prolong the effect.

5. Visit your dentist for regular cleanings.

We understand that regular dental appointments are not always pleasant, but it is always preferable to avoid a problem than to treat it. There will always be regions that are difficult to reach no matter how diligently you clean or floss your teeth.

A dentist will clean the back and front of your teeth along the gum line to eliminate plaque and tartar. Regular cleaning is a critical step in the battle against cavities. Many people claim they appreciate getting their teeth cleaned and the nice smooth feel they get afterwards. Make an appointment with your dentist at least once a year.

If you have severe cavities, your doctor may examine your teeth with X-ray scanners and lasers. They also wear masks and gloves to keep bacteria and germs at bay.

6. Add supplements and vitamins to your diet.

We’ve already talked about avoiding sweets and sugar, but there’s one more thing you can do to help your saliva combat dental plaque. Vitamins are necessary for maintaining the health of your teeth.

When it comes to plaque, sugar is really unhealthy for your teeth, therefore consuming sweet and sticky foods like jelly isn’t the ideal option for healthy teeth. Every time you eat sugar, your teeth are at risk for the next 20 minutes, so wash your teeth afterward. Your cavities will fade over time.

• Consume entire grains. They are high in vitamin B and iron. Furthermore, whole grains contain magnesium, a mineral that aids in calcium absorption and tooth strength.
• If you want to acquire more vitamin D from your food, eat more fish. Vitamin D-rich foods include salmon, herring, tuna, and mackerel.

7. Try coconut oil pulling.

Coconut oil provides numerous health benefits for various sections of the body. When it comes to your teeth, coconut oil pulling can help to naturally prevent them from decay. The oil draws bacteria from your teeth and cures them naturally. Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil about in your mouth for 20 minutes. Don’t take it. It’s so simple yet so effective, and it’s also good for you!

Oil pulling can not restore tooth decay, but it can help prevent cavities. By the way, doing it in combination to brushing and flossing is twice as effective.

8. Make your own remineralizing toothpaste.

This simple toothpaste recipe requires only a few natural ingredients that you can buy in any store. Since you make it yourself, you can be sure that all the components are natural and won’t harm your health. You’ll need the following ingredients to make the toothpaste:

• 2 tbsp of calcium powder: Adding calcium carbonate can help your teeth heal and add minerals to it, making the cavities go away.
• 1/2 tsp of liquid stevia
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil: Coconut oil has many antibacterial components that can rid the mouth of impurities and cavities. You may also want to try swishing this toothpaste for a couple of minutes before spitting it out to get more benefits.
• 1 tbsp of peppermint flavor
• Mix all the ingredients until you get a paste. It should be even with no crumbs. Use it as a substitute for your regular toothpaste.

Do you follow any of the rules listed above? Or do you prefer professional dental treatment? Do you know any other tricks that might help prevent teeth decay? Share your ideas and experience in the comments.