According to the FDI World Dental Federation, almost 4 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases. Among these dental issues, dental caries (also known as cavities or tooth decay) are the most common, affecting about 44 percent of the world’s population.
If you feel like you have dental caries, you’ll be better off seeing a dentist as soon as possible. But then, there are also a few home remedies that can help you prevent tooth decay from getting worse. Some of these include:
1. Maintaining proper oral hygiene may seem like pretty basic advice, but brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day can do a lot to help prevent tooth decay.
2. Brushing regularly is not everything. You have to be sure to clean your brush properly and replace it as soon as the bristles start to deteriorate. Also, avoid using covers for your toothbrush to avoid harboring bacteria that can trigger tooth decay.
3. Use fluoride toothpaste as this can help you prevent tooth decay and help with remineralizing your enamel.
4. You can consider making a few changes to your eating habits such as switching out juices and sodas for water, fruit smoothies and unsweetened beverages. Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese will also give you more calcium for strong teeth and bones.
5. Chewing sugarless gum can help in some ways. First, it contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that won’t support bacteria growth. And, sugarless gum helps your mouth produce more saliva to wash off food remains.
6. Vitamin-rich foods and natural supplements will help you maintain proper dental health. Whole grains are a great choice since they contain vitamin B and magnesium that can help with calcium absorption. Tuna, herring, salmon and some other seafood are also rich in vitamin B.
7. Regular dental visits and regular dental cleanings will help you get to the hard-to-reach spots on your teeth where regular brushing can’t reach. Doing this at least twice a year will be important to help you prevent caries.
Don’t wait until tooth decay robs you of your smile, confidence and comfort! These simple tips will go a long way to help you avoid the pain and discomfort dental caries can bring. But if you start to experience pain, you’ll be better off coming in right away for immediate intervention.
