Friday, February 13, 2009

Prevent Cavities

Cavities form when bacteria and other materials corrode the outer layer of your teeth and cause it to decay the inside of your teeth. Do you have a problem with cavities? Even if you don't, learning the right way to prevent them will help keep your smile healthy and sparkling for a lot longer in life.


Use these tips to help preserve your mouth.


Instructions


1. Chew sugarless gum in between meals. This is especially handy if you are away from home and don't have the ability to brush your teeth. Just pop a piece in your mouth after you eat or in between meals.


2. Brush your teeth after meals, if you're able, but at a minimum brush them in the morning after breakfast and before you go to sleep. Ask your dentist for advice on the best toothbrush for your mouth. I use either a soft bristle brush or an electric toothbrush.








3. Floss once or twice a day. I use waxed floss, and sometimes I even use floss that has tea tree essential oil inside of it. Tea tree oil can help kill bacteria and other germs that are in your mouth.


4. Use mouthwash to help keep your mouth healthy. Ask your dentist which one he or she recommends. There are a lot of choices on the market, and each dentist has his or her own preference.


5. Use tea tree oil to help prevent cavities. I keep a small bottle of the oil in my house and often put a drop on my toothbrush before I put the toothpaste on. You can also buy tea tree oil toothpaste and mouthwash.


6. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein sources. Also, you may want to avoid excess sugar. This is one of the biggest culprits for creating cavities. No matter how good your dental hygiene habits are, nothing will replace healthy eating.

Tags: your mouth, your teeth, bacteria other, between meals, help keep, help keep your