How do I Stop My Teeth from Rotting?

Did you know tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure? Tooth decay can affect the enamel and the dentin layer of the tooth. This occurs when food that contains carbohydrates such as soda, cakes, bread, fruits or candies are left on the teeth. The bacteria that live in your mouth digest these and turn them into acids. Then the acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

Here are 5 ways you can stop your teeth from rotting:

1. Brush Your Teeth 

You should brush your teeth after every meal, no less than twice a day. It is recommended that you use toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will help get rid of all the plaque and food debris that can cause your teeth to rot. 

If you drink soda or eat candy, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, so you don’t brush away the enamel on your teeth. If you’re not able to brush your teeth after a meal, you should rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. 

2. Floss Your Teeth

Did you know approximately 40% of the tooth surface is between the teeth? So, when you’re brushing, you only get 60% of the tooth surface. In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also floss your teeth. Flossing your teeth will remove food debris that is stuck between teeth. When plaque and bacteria build up, it can lead to cavities, cause bad breath, and eventually tooth decay. 

3. Avoid Soft Drinks

You should avoid drinking soft drinks: colas and regular orange soda. When you drink soft drinks, the low pH attacks the tooth enamel and its sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay. If you want to drink soft drinks, you should drink it through a straw. Drinking through a straw will minimize the contact between your teeth and the acidic and sugary drink, 

4. Limit Snacking and Sipping

You should try to limit your snacking and sipping because it puts your teeth under constant attack. The bacteria in your mouth will feed of the carbohydrates and sugars to produce an acid that will destroy your tooth enamel. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to drink water frequently. 

5. Regular Dental Visits 

In order to maintain your oral health, regular visits to your dental clinic is important. Your dentist will be able to check the cleanliness of your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, floss between your teeth, and more. How often you should go in a year will depend on your teeth, gums, and how well you maintain good oral hygiene.