Tooth decay can be frustrating and painful. It can occur because of some reasons, such as poor oral habits, cavities, poor diet, periodontal disease, and plaque buildup. When not treated right away, tooth decay can result in other health complications. Thus, a Sterling Heights dentist would always recommend taking dental hygiene seriously to avoid tooth decay. Here are steps to take to prevent tooth decay:

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Properly

Proper tooth brushing and flossing is your first line of defense against tooth decay. You must use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and you must brush your teeth properly. This means brushing your teeth for two minutes at least two times every day. And when you brush, place the brush at a 45-degree angle. Brush your teeth back and forth in both the lower and upper parts of the teeth. 

Flossing must be done together with brushing. A lot of areas in your teeth cannot be reached by your toothbrush bristles. Because of this, food particles may be collected within such areas, resulting in cavities and tooth decay. By flossing your teeth, those hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned. 

Eat Nutritious Food

Nutritious food, such as fruits and vegetables, can help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Additionally, you must avoid consuming starchy or sweet snacks between meals. Your mouth’s harmful bacteria feed off such foods and thrive once they are present. Also, do not consume acidic beverages that can damage your tooth enamel like sports drinks, soft drinks, and acidic fruit juices. 

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash

After you brush and floss your teeth, rinse them with fluoride mouthwash. This helps minimize the presence of bacteria inside your mouth, reducing the formation of dental plaque. Also, this can prevent periodontal disease. 

Go to Your Dentist Regularly

You must visit your dentist twice every year to catch any signs of tooth decay before it gets serious. By staying on top of your dental cleanings and examinations you can save money, time, discomfort, and pain in the future. Your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to get rid of set-in stains and plaque that has built up between teeth and underneath the gums. 

Get Dental Fillings If Necessary

When your dentist identifies cavities early on, they can fill them immediately. Dental fillings can restore your teeth’s shape and stability, as well as prevent further damage like tooth loss. They are used for filling cavities, repairing broken teeth, and restoring eroded teeth.