5 All-Natural Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Your teeth may be especially vulnerable to decay and other dental problems, so it’s important to find the best ways to protect them. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to keep teeth healthy and strong that are easy to incorporate into your at-home dental care routine. Along with regular brushing and flossing, these five all-natural methods can further prevent tooth decay.

Drinking more of the right types of tea can give your body additional nourishment that will be good for your dental health. Black tea is one of the best types of teas to drink and can prevent cavities by reducing the amount of bacteria inside the mouth. The high levels of antioxidants found in oolong tea are also great for keeping the teeth healthy and cavity-free.

According to Care2, more vitamin A, E and K in your diet can keep your teeth healthy by preventing demineralization. Vitamin D is another important fat-soluble vitamin because of its ability to facilitate calcium absorption, which can make teeth and other bones stronger. Many of these vitamins can be found in meats, dairy foods and other animal products. You can also take these vitamins in supplement form to increase your intake.

Fluoride is a mineral that’s known to strengthen teeth. The toothpaste that you use probably already contains fluoride, but you can find other sources that will give you more doses of this healthy mineral. Mouthwashes containing fluoride are great to use for cavity prevention. It’s also good to drink water that has fluoride. Spinach, carrots and pickles are also known to contain high levels of fluoride.

You already know that sugary foods can cause tooth decay, but there are some other food culprits that may surprise you. The starch found in bread eventually turns into sugar when it breaks down and can wreak havoc inside your mouth. Acidic drinks with low pH values can further promote tooth decay. The drying properties of alcohol can inhibit saliva production and provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can harm your teeth. The dentist who you choose to see at your nearest professional dental center will be able to give you more advice on the foods that you should avoid.

Chewing sugarless gum can actually prevent tooth decay by increasing saliva production, which is great for inhibiting bacterial growth. The aspartame, sorbitol and other healthier sweeteners that are used in these gums are better alternatives to sugar and don’t have the same cavity-causing effects. It’s best to chew on a piece of sugarless gum for 20 minutes following a meal for the best results.

These methods offer some of the safest and most natural ways to preserve your teeth. By preventing tooth decay, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful smile for life.