Whether you have never had a cavity or hope to never have one again, it can be a good idea to occasionally review your efforts to protect your smile. Are you really doing enough to make sure that tooth decay will not be a problem for you? Our Irving, TX dentist’s office can help you make sure that you are making the right decisions, and that you have quality protection against the formation of cavities. While the right efforts between your appointments will be important, it is also important to take care of yourself by scheduling and attending routine dental exams, as they provide valuable protection for teeth and gums.

1. You Need To Floss Every Day

If you are not taking the time to floss each day already, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to the buildup of bacteria between your teeth. What this means is that you are leaving areas where harmful microbes can gather, form deposits of plaque and tartar, and ultimately cause worsening damage to your enamel. A consistent flossing habit will be important. To make sure that each session is effective, remember to move the floss string vertically so that you can completely remove harmful agents that have gathered in these spaces, and so that you can protect yourself against gum disease.

2. Consume A Healthy Amount Of Water (And Cut Back On Flavored Drinks)

Are you consuming enough water to stay properly hydrated? If not, your smile can be left at a disadvantage. Water helps us wash away harmful debris that gather on our teeth throughout the day, particularly when you drink it while you enjoy meals and snacks. It is also important to stay hydrated because doing so helps you produce saliva, a substance that helps us protect our smiles. Swapping flavored beverages for water will help you cut down on sugary and acidic products that can gradually harm our enamel.

3. See Your Dentist Regularly For Semiannual Exams

Without regular trips to see your dentist, you can remain uninformed about your current cavity risk. You can also fail to realize that a cavity has formed…at least, you can fail to realize it until that cavity causes an infection that leaves you dealing with alarming tooth pain! At every routine visit, our practice can provide helpful feedback about your oral health, which includes timely warnings about dental decay that can lead to treatment with dental fillings to protect areas damaged by decay.

Talk To Your Irving, TX Dentist For More Cavity Prevention Guidance

Our practice is here to help patients who want to make sure they remain free of cavities. If you have not done so in the last six months, you should make sure that you have a dental visit scheduled, as preventive care is important for your well-being. To find out more about how we can help you, please call Defining Smiles in Irving, TX today at 972-717-0860.