Brushing and Flossing: Your Mansfield Family Dentist’s #1 Tip
You know you should brush your teeth twice a day and limit sweets, but what else can you do to ensure your family has healthy teeth and gums? As your local Mansfield dentist, we want to share some easy tips for cavity prevention right at home. These small changes can have a big impact on your oral health and help reduce your risk of painful dental problems down the road. Why wait until your next checkup? Start today by picking one new habit to focus on each week. Before you know it, you’ll have a complete at-home dental care plan and pearly white smiles all around. Your teeth will thank you, and so will your wallet when it comes time for your dental visits. Read on to learn our tips from a family dentist in Mansfield for avoiding cavities and keeping your whole family smiling bright.
Limiting Sugar Intake for the Whole Family
Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly and regularly is the #1 tip from your Mansfield family dentist for preventing cavities.
Brush twice daily
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft bristled brush. Gently brush all tooth surfaces, especially where your teeth meet the gums. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents cavities, so choose a toothpaste with fluoride. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Floss at least once per day
Flossing removes food and plaque between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Floss at least once per day, preferably before bedtime. Wrap floss around your fingers, slide it gently up and down between teeth. Don’t snap the floss between teeth which can irritate gums. Rinse your mouth with water when done to remove any debris.
Limit sugary and starchy foods
Sugary and starchy foods like candy, cookies, chips and fruit snacks feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. Limit sugary snacks to mealtimes when possible and avoid constant snacking. Drink plenty of water to wash away food particles and increase saliva flow.
By brushing, flossing and limiting sugary snacks as recommended by your Mansfield family dentist, you can avoid cavities and keep your smile bright for life. Make good oral hygiene a family habit and set a great example for your kids. Healthy teeth and gums start at home!
Regular Checkups and Cleanings at Your Mansfield Dentist Keep Cavities Away
Limiting sugar intake for the whole family is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and release acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Reducing sugar consumption, especially between meals, can go a long way toward keeping your family’s smiles bright.
Start by cutting back on obvious sugar sources like candy, cookies, and sugary drinks. Replace them with water, milk, unsweetened beverages or naturally sweetened options with limited added sugar. Look for yogurts, granolas and snack bars with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
Read Nutrition Labels
Check nutrition labels for hidden sugars like high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and molasses. Avoid products with sugar listed among the first few ingredients. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fruit and honey to control sweetness.
Choose Sugar Substitutes Wisely
While artificial sweeteners won’t cause cavities, they may still trigger sugar cravings and overeating. Stevia, xylitol and monk fruit are natural low-calorie sweeteners that can be used in moderation. But water and unsweetened beverages should make up the bulk of your family’s hydration.
Reducing your family’s sugar intake and limiting sweets to mealtimes and special occasions is challenging but worthwhile. Developing good habits and a taste for less sugary fare from an early age can set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. With your dentist’s guidance and your family’s cooperation, cavity prevention can become second nature.