How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Among children who are 6 to 18 years old, the percentage of decayed permanent teeth has decreased by about 57 percent since the 1970s. Part of this can be attributed to good preventative measures; follow these steps to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Floss
• Electric Toothbrushes
• Mouthwash
• Tooth Whitening Treatments
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Toothpaste

1. Make it a habit to brush your teeth after eating, using a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles.

2. Use a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and repair tooth enamel.

3. Buy a new toothbrush every 3 or 4 months. Bacteria can grow on toothbrushes, and the bristles wear down and become ineffective.

4. Brush your tongue to freshen your breath and remove bacteria, or use a tongue cleaner, available in some health food stores.

5. Use dental floss and a fluoride rinse after brushing your teeth.

6. Try an herbal rinse that contains goldenseal, echinacea or tea tree oil to prevent and heal inflamed gums and kill bacteria.

7. Snack on raw vegetables, fruit or unsweetened yogurt, and eliminate or reduce consumption of sugar and sugary foods.

8. Eat foods high in calcium such as broccoli, sardines, milk and fortified orange juice.

Tips & Warnings

• Get regular dental exams and cleanings.
• Choose a toothbrush that fits easily into your mouth and can reach into the back and corners.

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[NatalieEngland]

on 11/30/2008 Good to know. Thanks!