In the few days since Halloween, how many times have you told your kids “That’s enough candy for today?” We know that the thin enamel of children’s teeth needs extra care to help prevent cavities, but by the time you reach adulthood cavities are less of a worry, right?
Well, not exactly. According to a recent Health Canada study, 96% of Canadian adults have had at least one cavity. While we’re teaching our children to lay off the candy and keep up good oral hygiene habits, we grown-ups would do well to take our own advice.
Here is a reminder of important steps you can take to help prevent tooth decay:
- Regular Dental Visits: Ongoing tips to see your dentist are probably the most important aspect of the fight against tooth decay. A tiny area of concern can be addressed by our dental team well before it becomes a serious problem that requires extensive treatment.
- Brush Well: Contrary to popular belief, you cannot undo months of neglect with a single trip to the dentist. You have to practice good oral hygiene between visits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can protect tooth enamel and remove damaging plaque from between your teeth. Everybody says they don’t have time, but a good oral hygiene routine takes about five minutes a day. FIVE MINUTES! Surely you can find five minutes for something as important as those pearly whites?
- Eat Well: We see you sneaking that extra piece of candy out of the ‘Trick or Treat’ bag! You should lay off the sugar, too. But it takes more than willpower to prevent tooth decay. A balanced diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals also helps to support strong tooth enamel.
Taking good care of your oral health is an important part of taking care of your overall health. When you consider that poor dental care has been linked to heart disease and stroke, it becomes clear that dental care isn’t just for kids. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, please give us a call. No judgment, just excellent dental care.
