7 Ways to Prevent Toothache and Adult Cavities

Taking care of our oral health is imperative for the health of our teeth and gums.

Following are seven ways to prevent toothache and cavities in adults:

1. Clean your teeth.

It sounds obvious but cleaning your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the most effective way of ensuring dental hygiene. Regular, thorough cleaning, and changing toothbrushes when worn out is a sure way to keep the teeth and mouth clean. Every time we clean our teeth, we remove plaque and bacteria, which are the prime causes of tooth decay.

If you find an electric toothbrush suits you better, many dentists recommend their use, and can advise on how to use them effectively. After all, it is vital to clean all the teeth, paying particularly attention to the back teeth, which can get ignored. Plaque builds up during the day, so it is important to clean the teeth at the end of the day, as well as at the beginning.

2. Use dental floss daily.

Particles of food can easily become lodged in the gaps between our teeth and regular flossing will remove these particles, preventing them from causing bacteria formation, which in turn can cause cavities. In fact, dentists suggest that 65 percent of the teeth are cleaned by regular cleaning, leaving 35 percent exposed to decay. Using dental floss can remove the remaining 35 percent according to Authority Dental.

3. Go to the dentist regularly.

Having a frequent check-up by your dentist and dental hygienist can help prevent cavities, as dentists will pick up any abnormalities which might flag potential problems. When choosing someone to look after your teeth, it is vital to pick a professional who has undergone the relevant oral sedation dentistry training, so research your dentist before parting with any money. Many people have a fear of dentists, remembering childhood traumas, which usually involve memories of pain. Modern dentistry is professional, and has advanced dramatically, and dentists will administer oral sedation to very nervous patients. Not only can dentists treat current problems, and pick up potential problems, but they can also advise on oral hygiene, and recommend how to keep teeth and gums healthy.

4. Eat healthily.

Most people associate sugar with damage to teeth. There is a direct link between eating too much sugar and tooth decay. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in the saliva, and forms an acid that can erode the teeth. There are many other benefits of a healthy diet, but dental health is high on the list. It is important to avoid too many sugary drinks, as well as foods. Water is a much healthier option for teeth, reminds Very Well Health.

5. Chew sugar-free gum.

It might sound odd to suggest chewing gum as a healthy way to prevent cavities and toothache, but research shows that a sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which in turn keeps the mouth healthier. The American Dental Association has publicly endorsed several chewing gums, and confirmed that they contribute to dental health, according to Very Well Health.

6. Use mouthwash.

Choosing an antibacterial mouthwash not only freshens breath, but can rinse away stubborn particles of dirt from the mouth. An anti-bacterial mouth wash also protects against bacteria, a common cause of toothache and cavities. Mouthwash can reduce the chances of plaque forming in the mouth. Mouthwash should be used after cleaning the teeth, and after eating to remove any sugary deposits that can linger in the mouth.

7. Pay attention to the whole mouth.

The mouth can be an indicator of general health and wellbeing. The mouth can be affected by cancer just like any part of the body. Regular dental hygiene, and check-ups at the dentist can pick up serious health conditions before they become too serious. The whole mouth needs to be looked after; the tongue and the gums, as well as the teeth. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, and this can lead to unsightly tooth loss. Dentists are highly trained professionals, and in this modern medical world of wonder drugs, and hugely beneficial procedures such as EZ IO Insertion, as well as screening processes that prevent serious illness, a thorough mouth check can prevent serious illnesses from being missed.

Toothache is one of the most unpleasant pains we can experience. It is overwhelming and debilitating. Following these simple measures will reduce the likelihood of going through the trauma of a toothache, and help to prevent cavities and tooth loss.

Author Bio:

Ross is a blogger who loves to write, especially in the Health vertical. He has written many informative blogs. He has also written blogs in other verticals like personal development, and unique gifting blogs.