At this time of year, many of us start thinking about making resolutions. Perhaps you want to give up smoking or make more an effort to hit your 5 portions of fruit and vegetable a day target. If you’re looking for inspiration, why not make it your aim to improve your dental health? Here are some easy ways to avoid dental decay in 2017.

Brushing tips

Brushing your teeth is a really easy way of preventing decay, but you have to do it right to get the best results. Brush for at least 2 minutes, and make sure you cover every individual tooth. Move the brush right to the back of the mouth to clean your moles, and don’t forget to brush along the gum line. Don’t be too vigorous when you’re cleaning; if you brush too hard, you will damage your enamel. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste; fluoride is a mineral, which helps to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

Healthy eating

Many cases of dental decay are linked to sugar consumption. Today, we consume more sugar than ever before. Sugary foods increase the risk of decay because they cause bacteria in your mouth to release acids. These acids weaken the enamel. Once the enamel is damaged or worn, there’s a high risk of cavities. Try and avoid eating foods like sweets, chocolate and biscuits on a regular basis. Fizzy drinks are also another common offender. It’s particularly important to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks between meals.

Visiting your dentist

If you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you have a much lower risk of developing decay and gum disease. Dentists are trained to spot the early warning signs of decay, and they can act to make the situation better. Placing a filling, for example can help to prevent an infection spreading throughout the tooth. We recommend regular check-ups every 6-12 months. If you have toothache, or you’ve started to experience severe sensitivity, arrange an appointment as soon as you can.