You may not know this, but your teeth are under constant attack. Every time you eat or drink, plaque and bacteria start to form on your teeth. If these aren’t removed, they can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To help keep your smile looking its best, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting the dentist for professional cleanings. In addition to these habits, there are also some foods and drinks that can help fight tooth decay and make your teeth look brighter. Read on to learn more about these natural ways to keep your smile looking its best.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
There are many things that can cause tooth decay, but the most common culprit is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
Plaque and tartar contribute to tooth decay by breaking down the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from damage. Once the enamel is worn away, the inner layers of your teeth are exposed and susceptible to decay.
Tooth decay can also be caused by acidic foods and drinks. Acidic substances cause the enamel on your teeth to soften and break down, making them more vulnerable to decay.
You can help prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems, but it is also one of the most preventable. There are a few simple things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and avoid tooth decay:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss your teeth every day to remove plaque from between your teeth.
3. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals.
4. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
Following these simple tips can help you avoid tooth decay and keep your smile looking its best!
Foods That Fight Tooth Decay
There are plenty of foods that can help to fight tooth decay and make your teeth look brighter! Here are just a few:
1. Apples – The crunchiness of apples helps to clean your teeth and massage your gums. They also contain malic acid, which can help to remove surface stains.
2. Celery – Like apples, celery is also crunchy and full of water. This combination helps to keep your mouth hydrated and free from bacteria.
3. Strawberries – Not only do strawberries taste great, but they also contain Vitamin C, which can help to boost the production of collagen in your gums. Additionally, the malic acid in strawberries can also help to remove surface stains from your teeth.
4. Yogurt – Yogurt contains lactic acid, which can help to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. It’s also a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong teeth.
5. Green Tea – Green tea contains polyphenols, which can help to reduce inflammation and prevent tooth decay.
Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth
There are a few simple things you can do at home to get your teeth looking brighter in no time!
First, brush your teeth regularly with a whitening toothpaste. You can find these at most drugstores. Just be sure to read the labels carefully to make sure you’re getting a product that is safe for your teeth and will not damage your enamel.
Second, try using a whitening mouthwash or rinse. Again, these are available at most drugstores and can be found in the dental aisle. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully so that you don’t damage your teeth.
Finally, try using a whitening strip once a day. These are strips that you apply to your teeth for a certain amount of time, typically around 30 minutes. Be sure to follow the directions on the package so that you don’t overuse them and damage your enamel.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to whiten your teeth, there are a few things you can try as well!
First, brush your teeth with baking soda once or twice a week. This will help to scrub away any surface stains on your teeth and make them look brighter. Just be sure not to use too much baking soda or brush too hard, as this can damage your enamel.
Second, try using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash or rinse. You can find this at most drugstores in the first aid aisle.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
There are a few different ways to treat tooth decay, and the best way depends on how severe the decay is. For mild decay, you can try brushing your teeth more frequently and using a fluoride toothpaste. You can also try using a mouthrinse that contains fluoride. If these methods do not work, you may need to see a dentist for more serious treatment.
For moderate tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a filling. This involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling material such as amalgam or composite resin. In some cases, a crown may be necessary. This involves covering the entire tooth with a artificial cap.
For severe tooth decay, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. This involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and the nerve tissue inside of it. The tooth is then filled with an inert material and sealed off. In some cases, an artificial tooth (dental implant) may be necessary to replace the one that was removed.
