5 Tips to Prevent Cavities with a Sweet Tooth

For many, limiting the number of sweets you eat can prove to be incredibly difficult. Many people use cakes, cookies, and other desserts as a way of coping with a difficult day or as a reward for a job well done. Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can have disastrous results when it comes to your smile. To keep your pearly whites looking their best, read on to learn about five tips to prevent cavities if you have a sweet tooth.

Tip #1: Keep a Dental Kit on You

From going to work to coordinating your schedule with those of your friends and family, life can get hectic. If you’re running around all day long, this can make it difficult to find time to brush and floss your teeth. to make sure you never skip your oral health routine, consider keeping a dental travel kit on you at all times. Things it should contain include dental floss, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a small bottle of mouthwash. This will allow you to wash away plaque and food particles to prevent cavities from forming after you eat or drink something sweet.

Tip #2: Buy a New Toothbrush

Over time, toothbrush bristles will begin to fray and wear. This will make them less effective at cleaning your smile. For this reason, make sure to purchase a new toothbrush every three or four months. You may also want to consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush since they’re more effective at plaque removal.

Tip #3: Floss Every Day

If you don’t floss at least once per day, now is the time to start. Skipping this important step means that 40% of your smile hasn’t been adequately cleaned. Flossing before bed or 30 minutes after you eat your last meal of the day drastically decreases your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.

Tip #4: Rinse with Mouthwash

Though brushing and flossing are key to cleaning your teeth, there are still certain areas of your mouth that you may miss. That’s where mouthwash comes in. Rinsing with it will help remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas to prevent cavities.

Tip #5: Be Picky with Sweets

Just because sweet treats can cause cavities doesn’t mean that you have to completely cut them out of your life. Instead, be pickier with the desserts you consume. Just because someone brings a tray of cookies to work doesn’t mean you have to indulge. If you have a pint of your favorite ice cream in your freezer, it’s best to wait until you get home instead.

Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to dental decay, but the above tips will help prevent cavities. This way, you can keep your teeth looking lovely for years to come!

About the Practice

The oral health of patients of all ages who live in West Hartford or the surrounding communities is in good hands with West Hartford Dental Group. Led by Dr. Vance Harper, Dr. Ukti Phadnis, and Dr. Ajay Dhingra, they take pride in helping patients prevent cavities to maintain gorgeous, brag-worthy smiles. To set up an appointment or for more information on their service offerings, call West Hartford Dental Group’s office at (860) 236-4249 or visit their website.