Most of us are taught from a young age that we need to brush our teeth and reduce our sugar intake to avoid cavities and tooth decay. While these are important steps, there is more that can be done to proactively prevent decay. A more holistic approach can greatly improve your chances of stopping decay and preventing more in the future.

Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing for Decay

Breathing through your mouth dries it out, which makes it harder for your immune system to fight bacteria. Nasal breathing is a good habit to learn. Not only does it moisten the mouth, but it also allows the nose to filter air before it reaches the lungs. This filtered air contains less bacteria, which reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Eat Whole Foods

Eating whole foods helps your teeth’s natural immune defense system, and this includes eating products with full fat which ensures you are including all the important fat soluble vitamins like A, E & K. Processed foods also tend to be high in sugar and low in nutrients, which can lead to cavities and decay.

 

Take Oral Probiotics for Decay

Oral probiotics help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, which can neutralise harmful bacteria. Without oral probiotics, this harmful bacteria can build up and lead to cavities or gum disease.

Include Crunchy Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables help keep your teeth healthy. They are low in sugars and the crunching action required to eat them help create saliva, which helps protect your teeth from cavities. Without raw vegetables (or any other food that requires crunching), there is less saliva produced, which leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay. The work your mouth and jaw has to do to eat such foods also strengthens it which can help prevent crooked teeth from forming or worsening!

By incorporating these simple steps into your daily routine, you can proactively prevent tooth decay and cavities. So start with quick-win changes & add in others as you are able to. The benefits will be most profound in your children, who can experience the life changing habits compounding over time. But you will also notice an improvement in your own dental health over time!

Our dentists here at Dakabin Dental would be happy to answer questions you may have. Book here at your own convenience or you can contact us today on (07) 3888 7752