Dentist in Jacksonville Says Yes, You Can Prevent Decay!

Are you surprised to find you have at least one cavity every time you visit your dentist in Jacksonville? If so, you may feel at a loss for keeping your teeth healthy. But don’t be fooled — tooth decay is not just another fact of life, or something you have to just live with. Cavities are almost completely preventable if you maintain good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and routine visits to your dentist. Keep reading to learn more about how you can keep those pearly whites pearlier, whiter, and healthier for life!

Clean Properly

It’s probably been awhile since you learned about the basics of oral hygiene, and you may have forgotten a few things along the way. We’re here to remind you that frequent brushing and flossing are crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease! Make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day (after each meal is even better). Floss between your teeth once a day — check out this video on proper technique if you’ve forgotten about the way to wield that dental floss.

Some additional brushing and flossing tips include…

• Brush teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel
• Brush each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds
• Move your toothbrush in gentle circular motions rather than hard back and forth strokes
• Floss gently, using a new piece of floss every time
• Remember to rub dental floss behind your very last tooth, too

Eat Well

Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is just as important for your oral health as it is for your overall wellbeing. Avoid sugar and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent the buildup of acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Eat whole grains to keep the pH balance of your saliva in check — refined grains in white breads and pasta throw it out of whack and can leave your teeth at a higher risk of decay.

In addition to eating well, you should also make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to enjoy better smile health. Staying hydrated encourages the saliva production that helps to wash away bacteria and food particles that lead to decay and infection. Chewing sugarfree gum between meals and in the afternoon can help your teeth stay clean, too.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

We encourage patients of all ages to visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and hygiene appointment. During this visit, our team will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and around the gums. We’ll also take x-rays to check for issues that could be lurking beneath the visible surface. Sometimes, we can apply a dental sealant or fluoride treatment to a weak spot in the tooth enamel to keep it from turning into a cavity at all.

Contact Your Family Dentist in Jacksonville!

Speaking of that last point, when was the last time you visited the dentist? Routine visits to our office are one of the most important steps in cavity prevention. If it’s been longer than six months, it’s time for you to get in touch. Request an appointment online today!