Cavities are caused when a part of your mouth becomes permanently damaged and a hole develops in the tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors including poor dental hygiene or cleaning practices, bacteria in the mouth and habits like sipping sugary drinks. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent cavities in Willowbrook, IL.
Brush with Fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Do you know if your toothpaste includes fluoride? If it doesn’t, then you probably need to switch toothpastes.
If you’re looking for additional ways to incorporate fluoride into your oral hygiene routine, buy a fluoride mouthwash from the pharmacy the next time you go. Follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid over-using the mouthwash.
Drink Water from the Tap
Most communities add fluoride to their tap water to help improve their population’s oral hygiene. Water is good for you – much better for you than sugary drinks like soda. If you’re not in the habit of drinking water from the tap, now is the time to start!
Maintain a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine
Brush your teeth twice per day: once in the morning and once at night. If your teeth feel yucky in the middle of the day, feel free to brush your teeth an extra time! Keep an extra toothbrush and toothpaste at work or in your purse for just such an occasion.
Floss at least once daily, and again after events like a barbecue, when you might have eaten a lot of stringy foods. Talk to your dentist in Willowbrook, IL to find out whether you’re brushing and flossing the right way.
See the Dentist Regularly
One of the best things you can do to avoid cavities is to get regular dental checkups in Willowbrook, IL. Seeing the dentist regularly will help you determine whether you’re at risk for poor dental health, and will also help you decide when you need to make a change to your oral hygiene routine. For more information or to schedule your next dental appointment, call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to make an appointment.