Be Sure You Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but at the very least, brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride-based toothpaste. If you do not already have one, you may want to switch to an electric toothbrush, which provides many benefits including:
Removing food and plaque better, thereby reducing your chances of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other gum and mouth issues.
Reduced chance of gum damaged caused by brushing too hard.
Most electric toothbrushes include a built-in
timer. Since many people overestimate how long they brush their teeth, having a built-in timer helps a person to brush long enough.
No matter what type of toothbrush you use, be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes. You may want to set a timer to ensure you brush your teeth long enough. Younger children should have help brushing their teeth to make sure the job is done correctly.
Do Not Forget the Spaces Between the Teeth
Be sure to floss at least once a day. If it has been a while since you last flossed, your gums might bleed or feel sore. Keep at it. After regularly flossing for a while, the problem should subside. Soft-picks can also be used to clean between the teeth.
Limit Your Sugary Snacks
Foods and drinks high in sugar or acid can cause tooth decay and wear away at your enamel. Limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume. Brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating or drinking something sugary. This will decrease your chances of damage to your teeth.
Regularly Visit the Dentist
No matter how well you have taken care of your teeth, visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up. If you are experiencing a toothache or other trouble, schedule a visit with your dentist earlier. The sooner the problem is resolved, the better.
Of course, there are many other things you can and should do to properly care for your teeth. If you are particularly susceptible to cavities, your dentist can likely provide you with a plan to reduce your chances of getting a cavity.