With the holiday season coming up, we want to talk about ways our Garland, TX, patients can avoid the onset of cavities. From routine homecare to understanding the causes of cavities, you can take steps to limit your risk of developing tooth decay this Thanksgiving.
How Do I Protect My Smile? 5 Tips:
- Brush Twice Daily: When you brush your teeth, you help prevent the onset of plaque buildup, which weakens tooth enamel and makes cavities more likely. You should brush when you wake up in the morning and again before bed at night. Each session should take two minutes, using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss After Your Meal: Even more important than brushing is flossing, which removes the bits of food stuck between the teeth. Each day, you should floss before going to bed. We also suggest carrying a little floss with you to your holiday event, so you can excuse yourself and clean you teeth after the meal.
- Watch the Starch: Foods containing starch leave behind particles on the teeth that bacteria will break down, a process that leads to plaque buildup and higher cavity risk. So, be careful around cornbread, muffins, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
- Cut Back on Sugary Foods: As you probably know, sugar is another major factor behind tooth decay. So, be sure to enjoy your desserts, such as cakes, pies, and cookies, in moderation.
- Drink Water: We suggest enjoying your meal with water. Not only does water help cleanse the mouth of bacteria and food particles, but it also contains no sugars or acids. You stay hydrated without putting your smile at risk! You can also enjoy a glass of unsweet tea, but remember that tea contains staining agents. If you have any questions about staying decay free, then contact our team today.
DO YOU NEED A CHECKUP AND CLEANING?
We want to help you and your family enjoy healthy smiles throughout the holiday season. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
