Walker & Barr, DMD
A woman eating an apple outdoors | how to practice oral hygiene

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Oral Health and Preventing Cavities

January 15, 2024
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Posted By: Dr. Sarah Barr
A woman brushing her teeth | maintaining oral health

Your smile is one of your greatest assets, as it allows you to communicate with others and is one of the first features they notice when they meet you! Protecting your smile is simple when you have a trusted dentist in Brandon, FL to rely on and you know what to do. 

Today, we'll offer five helpful tips for maintaining your smile, avoiding cavities, and protecting your dental health. 

#1 Commit to a Consistent Home Care Routine

Brushing twice per day and flossing once is one of the best ways to protect your smile and dental health. It's essential to use proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure you remove the most plaque and bacteria buildup, protecting against cavities and gum disease. 

Using an electric toothbrush can help do the hard work of brushing correctly for you. Adding an antibacterial mouth rinse into your routine can also help guard against tooth decay. 

#2 Visit Your Dentist in Brandon Regularly

If your teeth are healthy, visiting your dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups is recommended. Our dentists can identify problems early on and help you avoid more costly and invasive treatment procedures. 

Our hygienists will also remove any excess plaque you missed at home. 

#3 Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages

Sugar fuels the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Acid is the byproduct of the bacteria feeding on the sugars. Acid destroys tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to developing cavities.

#4 Drink Plenty of Water

Not only does water hydrate your body, but it also washes away the debris and bacteria left over in your mouth from meals, protecting your teeth from harmful plaque buildup

#5 Increase Your Intake of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies increase your saliva flow, which is a natural protectant for your teeth. They also neutralize the acids in your mouth, decreasing your chances of developing tooth decay. 

Is It Time for Your Next Dental Appointment? 

Contact our team at (813) 689-5928 to arrange an appointment if you need to book your next teeth cleaning and checkup.

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