Content

• Steps

The cause of tooth decay is due to the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque forms when sugar in the mouth attracts bacteria. Plaque is highly acidic, causing tooth enamel to wear out. That's just the first part of the tooth decay process. As the cavity expands, bacteria from the mouth attack the pulp (living tissue of the tooth) and cause pain, which can progress to a bacterial infection called an abscess. This process can be painful and uncomfortable, not to mention expensive dental bills. However, you can prevent tooth decay by regularly brushing your teeth, flossing, eating the right foods, and regularly meeting your doctor to clean and check your teeth.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Proper Brushing

1. 

   Schedule a brushing. Ideally brush your teeth after every meal, otherwise at least twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.
   • Make this part of your routine every morning and before going to bed.
   • If you incorporate brushing into your daily routine, it will be easier to remember to do it.
   • Proper brushing only takes a few minutes, so very busy people can too.

2. 

   
   
   Use a soft bristle brush. The size and shape of the brush will depend on the size of your mouth, but most dentists recommend an electric brush with a round brush tip.
   • The size and shape of the brush allows you to reach anywhere in the mouth and surfaces of the teeth.
   • Change your toothbrush every three to four months.
   • If the brush is lint, it means that the brush needs to be changed soon. A frayed brush will not effectively clean teeth.

3. 

   
   
   Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste recognized by the Vietnam Dental Association. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
   • Young children do not need as much fluoride as adults do. Consult with your doctor about the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child.
   • You want your child to prevent tooth decay thanks to fluoride without having to use too much.

4. 

   
   
   Brush all surfaces of the teeth with a brush. You should tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle from the teeth and gums when brushing. Don't press too hard or you may damage your gums. If you damage the brush or find the brush lint rapidly, you may be applying too much pressure.
   • Start by brushing the front of the teeth.
   • Brush small steps from side to side.
   • After brushing the front of the teeth, move on to brushing the chewing surface and the back of the teeth.
   • To clean the inside of the incisors, keep the tip of the brush upright and brush up and down a few times.
   • Be sure to brush along the gum line.
   • You also need to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and help freshen your breath.

5. 

   Rinse mouth with clean water or mouthwash. Mouthwash can be used to prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque buildup, and reduce the likelihood of diseases such as gingivitis. Look for a fluoride mouthwash to prevent or reduce tooth decay.
   • The Vietnam Dental Association's certified mouthwash has been tested for safety and effectiveness, so choose a product with a stamp.
   • Mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing. If you find you can't brush your teeth after a meal, use a mouthwash to kill bacteria and prevent plaque.
   • An alcohol-based mouthwash will cause your mouth to dry and grow bacteria. Look for non-alcoholic, fluoridated mouthwashes.
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Part 2 of 4: Flossing

1. 

   Floss at least once a day. Also, floss after meals and snacks, as foods can get stuck between your teeth, like popcorn or popcorn.
   • Even if you brush your teeth regularly, flossing is essential.
   • Flossing will remove food pieces between your teeth and under your gums.
   • There are places where a toothbrush cannot reach.
   • Without flossing, the food and sugar stuck between the teeth will attract bacteria, build up plaque and possibly cause tooth decay.

2. 

   First, let's take a piece of floss about 45 cm long. You need a long thread to be able to roll the dirty thread after using it against your fingers while cleaning between teeth.
   • Roll most of the thread onto one middle finger.
   • The end of the thread rolls to the middle finger of the other hand.
   • This finger will roll the used thread and get dirty as you walk through the teeth in your mouth.

3. 

   Gently press the floss between the teeth. Don't let it touch only the gum line.
   • Use your thumb and index finger to hold the thread firmly.
   • Pull the thread back and forth between teeth.
   • Stop when touching the gum line.

4. 

   Bend only into a C shape when touching the gums. Press only on one side of the tooth.
   • Gently pull the thread back and forth between the teeth and gums.
   • Hold the thread tightly, press the teeth.
   • Gently rub the thread along the edge of the tooth away from the gum position up and down.
   • Repeat with the remaining teeth.
   • Don't forget the space behind the last tooth at the end of the oral cavity.

5. 

   Try using a dental floss, dental toothpick, or a wooden plaque removal tool if you find it difficult to floss. These ways will help remove plaque and food that remains between the teeth without having to measure the thread and find a clever way to insert the thread between the teeth.
   • Using water to rinse your mouth and clean it also helps remove plaque and food left in between teeth and gums.
   • A dental floss is a small plastic tool that has a short piece of dental floss attached. You can use them to clean teeth in a similar way to flossing.
   • If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about options. You can try a different type of floss (like unbleached or wax coated, etc.).
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Part 3 of 4: Maintaining a Good Teeth Diet

1. 

   Avoid sugar candies, sweets, starches and refined carbohydrates. Foods containing a lot of sugar cause plaque buildup because the bacteria are very fond of sugar.
   • If you eat sweets, try to eat those that don't stay in your mouth for too long. Candies such as lollipops, hard candies, and caramel usually stay in your mouth as long as you suck them.
   • Snacks like cookies, cakes and pies are also high in sugar and can cause tooth decay.
   • Foods like bread, chips, pasta and crackers contain refined carbohydrates and carbohydrates, all of which have sugar. If you eat them, try to eat only at meals instead of snacking between meals.
   • If you eat refined sweets or carbohydrates, try brushing your teeth with a fluoride cream right after.

2. 

   
   
   Limit fruit juices and soft drinks. Soda contains a lot of sugar. Fruit juices are also fortified with sugar, especially if it's a "juice drink" or a "juice drink." Avoid these drinks.
   • Soda is also very acidic. Acid in drinks and foods can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
   • Although juices are healthy if consumed in moderation, they contain more concentrated sugar than whole fruit, without the added fiber. Drink only pure fruit juices with no added sugar. Studies show that pure fruit juices do not cause tooth decay.
   • If you drink these, be sure to use a straw to minimize your tooth exposure.

3. 

   
   
   Limit your use of acidic foods. Acid from foods can erode tooth enamel like the acid in soft drinks.
   • Foods high in acids include citrus-like fruits like lemons and lemons.
   • Tomatoes, pickles, honey and wine are also acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel.
   • Although you can eat these foods, get them in your mouth as quickly as possible.

4. 

   
   
   Drink tap water and green / black tea. In most countries tap water is fortified with fluoride. Using fluoridated tap water for cooking will contribute to strengthening tooth enamel.
   • Water can remove leftover food.
   • Green and black teas contain substances that prevent plaque build-up. They also reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease.
   • Remember not to add sugar to the tea.

5. 

   Eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. These foods work to strengthen the salivary glands in the mouth.
   • Saliva is a natural tool against tooth decay, bacteria and plaque from sticking to teeth.
   • About 20 minutes after eating, saliva begins to neutralize the acid, which attacks tooth enamel.
   • Eat crispy fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and celery.

6. 

   Eat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. They contain nutrients that are essential for strong teeth.
   • The calcium, phosphate and vitamin D in dairy products are important for strong teeth because your teeth are made up of calcium.
   • Calcium not only strengthens teeth, but also attaches to teeth and prevents acids from damaging enamel.
   • If you are lactose intolerant, there are many other calcium and vitamin rich foods for you to consume such as soy products.

7. 

   Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum after meals and snacks can help increase saliva production to get rid of bacteria and plaque in your teeth. Chewing gum is especially helpful if you experience dry mouth (xerostomia) frequently.
   • The sweetener xylitol is proven to prevent tooth decay.
   • Studies show that xylitol can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
   • However, chewing sugar-containing gum increases your chances of getting tooth decay, so make sure your gum is sugar-free.

8. 

   Use products intended for people with dry mouth. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is not a disease, but it is an unpleasant condition that can have many causes, including the use of a prescription medication or a medical disorder. Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay because the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva to wash away food and food debris, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
   • There are several mouthwashes that can be bought over the counter or by prescription to help reduce dry mouth. When buying, look for a mouthwash specifically designed for dry mouth.
   • Using lozenges, cough drops, or hard candies can help your mouth produce saliva. Make sure these products are sugar-free.
   • You can also use a saliva substitute if needed. They work like eye drops for dry eyes, to temporarily moisten the mucous membranes in the mouth.
   • Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications if your condition is bad. The two most commonly prescribed drugs are pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac).

9. 

   Talk to your doctor if you often experience heartburn, acid reflux, or an eating disorder. Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause tooth decay because the acidic fluid in the stomach is pushed back into the mouth in such a condition, making the teeth weak. If you suffer from frequent heartburn (also known as acid reflux), talk to your doctor about treatment options to avoid damaging the enamel.
   • Disorders of eating also increase the likelihood of tooth decay. Anorexia and anorexia form are often associated with intentionally vomiting, pushing stomach acid up and over the teeth, damaging enamel. An eating disorder can affect the body's natural production of saliva.
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Part 4 of 4: Seeing the Dentist Regularly

1. 

   Meet with a dentist and dental hygienist for regular cleaning and dental check-ups. Most healthy people need to see a dental health doctor twice a year.
   • When you see the dentist, your teeth will be cleaned. Your dentist or hygienist will use dental devices to remove plaque and tartar.
   • They will polish your teeth with a special toothpaste.
   • Most dentists recommend that you have a dental X-ray at least once a year. This can help your doctor know if you are having problems inside your teeth.
   • The dentist will check each tooth for decay as well as examine the gums for signs of gum disease.

2. 

   Ask your dentist about fillings. It is a protective plastic sealant. They work to seal cracks in the teeth where food can be spilled.
   • Filling protects tooth enamel from acids and plaque, and is recommended for both adults and children.
   • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that school-age children have fillings as this can limit the incidence of tooth decay in children to more than 70%.
   • Filling has a shelf life of up to 10 years before needing to rework.
   • Your dentist needs to check the fillings every 6 months to make sure they're intact.

3. 

   Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments. If you are not drinking tap water or using fluoride toothpaste, you need to use fluoride treatments.
   • Fluoride treatments are primarily performed during dental cleaning at the dentist's office.
   • Your dentist will fill the surface with a gel or toothpaste containing fluoride. They will stay in your mouth and on your teeth for a few minutes.
   • Such treatment can help strengthen the enamel.
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