If you’ve ever had toothache before, you’ll know that it can really put a dampener on your day. If you’re keen to keep pain at bay, here are 5 things you can do to prevent toothaches:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: brushing is your best bet when it comes to removing harmful bacteria, which cause gum disease and decay, from your mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps to strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. Brush in the morning and evening for two minutes each time.
- Book a dental check every 6 months: if you attend regular check-ups, you’ll reduce your risk of developing decay and gum disease significantly. If you haven’t been to the dentist for the last 6 months, now is the time to get in touch!
- See your dentist if you have pain: if you start to notice pain or you experience heightened sensitivity, see your dentist. Don’t wait until your next check-up. Pain is often a sign of a cavity or an infection, so it’s best to get checked out.
- Avoid snacking: when you eat, the bacteria in your mouth release acids, which weaken your enamel on a temporary basis. Your enamel can only resist a limited number of acid attacks, so if you’re grazing throughout the day, it’s very likely that your enamel will become thin and worn. Stick to 3 meals a day and if you do get hungry, choose sugar-free snacks such as raw vegetables.
- Keep an eye on your sugar intake: most people know that sugar is bad for the teeth, but have you ever actually worked out how much sugar you consume each day? You may be surprised to find out that you exceed the recommended intake on a regular basis if you don’t pay much attention to food labels. Use an app or a food diary and try and keep below that RDA.
Tags: Advice, dental check up, dental pain, toothache
