Important Steps to Prevent Tooth Decay

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The risk of tooth decay rises as we age. By age 17, nearly 80 percent of youths will have experienced at least one episode of tooth decay, making cavities one of the most commonly experienced diseases among American children.

In fact, the occurrence of tooth decay rises rapidly as our children age. Eighty-three percent of 2- to 4-year-olds are cavity free, while only thirty-three percent of 12- to 17-year olds are cavity free.

Here are some useful tips to avoid tooth decay:

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing between meals to minimize the contact of food debrisand acid assault on the tooth surface.

USE XYLITOL AND FLUORIDE
Include home care products in your daily regimen that contain Xylitol and fluoride. Promote healthy salivary flow and hydrated tissues (important approaches for preventing de-mineralization and promoting re-mineralization).

NUTRITIONAL HABITS
Practice good nutritional habits by avoiding or minimizing the consumption of refined carbohydrates, soft drinks, carbonated beverages, sports drinks and fruit juices (all sources of acid that assault the tooth surface). Consider foods that have an anti-cavity producing affect, such as hard cheeses. Hard cheese increases salivary flow and contains calcium, phosphate and casein, a milk protein which protects against the de-mineralization process.

VISIT YOUR HYGIENIST
Make regular visits to the hygienist for a professional cleaning and the dentist for a check-up. Practice proactive measures in the prevention of tooth decay.

VARNISH AND FLUORIDE TREATMENTS
Ask your dentist or hygienist about in-office varnish and fluoride treatments (these aid in the re-mineralization process), and also ask about sealants (protective coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth) to aid in the prevention of cavities.

To learn more about a Simple Daily Regimen which could help you keep your teeth young and healthy – for a lifetime click here. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have the potential to create the healthiest mouth you’ve ever had?

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