If you're struggling to keep tooth decay at bay, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent further decay and ensure that your teeth stay healthy. Below are three tips on avoiding tooth decay.
Make Small, Lifelong Changes
Perhaps you've tried to kick your three-can-per-day soda habit in the past, but you've struggled to find a healthy and delicious alternative that satisfies your cravings. Or, maybe you find yourself reaching for candy more often than you'd like. Whatever your vice, if you want to successfully kick the habit, you need to make small changes that will last a lifetime.
For example, if you're a lifelong soda drinker, going from 3 cans of soda per day to none at all may work for a while, but eventually you may find yourself reverting back to your old habits. To make these changes stick, consider doing them in small, incremental steps. So, for soda drinkers, replace one can of soda per day with a glass of water instead. Once two cans per day becomes your new normal, replace another can with a glass of water. Eventually, you'll have replaced all three daily sodas with water without shocking your system.
Pick the Least Awful Choice
Your dentist knows that asking you to abstain from all junk food is likely to fall on deaf ears. If you're trying to change your habits, but you find yourself in a situation where there aren't many good choices, don't feel bad about picking the least awful choice.
If you're at a party, for example, and the table of desserts is calling to you, you may find yourself having more and more trouble abstaining. Eventually, you may give in and make some not-so-good choices. Instead of abstaining, pick the least awful choice that's available to you.
Stay on Top of Your Dental Care Routine
While replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives is helping in preventing tooth decay, staying on top of your dental care routine is the most important thing you can do.
This means that you stick to a regular brushing and flossing schedule, and that you visit with your dentist every six months. If your current routine doesn't seem to be working for you, it's important to consult with your dentist.
By making small, lifelong changes, choosing the least awful option available to you, and staying on top of your dental care routine, you can enjoy clean, bright teeth that will last a lifetime. For more information, talk to a professional like Advanced Dentistry of St. Charles.
Share11 August 2016
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