When you brush your teeth, you sweep away the sticky plaque that coats the dental surfaces. Oral plaque, which is a combination of bacteria, biofilm, and food particles, can quickly cause tooth decay.

The bacteria in the substance feed on the available carbohydrates and excretes acidic waste as a part of their digestive process. The acids dissolve the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth material and causing cavities to form in the teeth. If these cavities are not filled, they can increase in size and depth, leading to tooth pain, the destruction of more tooth material, and possible dental infections.

Although brushing with fluoridated toothpaste does help remove plaque and remineralize the teeth, many people only brush their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. The twice-a-day schedule does follow the recommendation of dentists, but it still leaves a large span of time between the brushing sessions.

Here are a few measures that you can take to help protect your teeth between brushing sessions.

Chew Sugarless Gum

Gum that does not contain sugar does not promote tooth decay. As you chew gum, it helps pull plaque and bits of food from the dental surfaces. Additionally, the gum encourages the release of saliva, which helps neutralize oral acids.

Sugar-free gum may also contain antimicrobial ingredients, such as xylitol and cinnamaldehydes

Drink Water

Water helps ensure that your body remains hydrated, which can help prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth, which occurs when there is too little saliva in the mouth, is associated with a higher incidence of tooth decay.

Water also helps rinse decay-causing debris from the oral surfaces and dilute assets. The weakening of the acids helps to minimize their negative impact on the teeth. To maximize the cleaning effects of the water, swish it about your mouth before swallowing. 

Additionally, if the water is fluoridated, it can help remineralize your teeth.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

After brushing your teeth, consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. The liquid can flow into areas that the bristles of the toothbrush are unable to reach.

Antimicrobial ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, help reduce the number of oral bacteria, reducing the likelihood of decay. For many antimicrobial oral rinses to effectively eliminate oral microbes, you only have to swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds.

To learn more ways to protect your teeth between brushing sessions, schedule a consultation with the dentist clinic, such as Sacrey & Sacrey Dentistry, in your local area.

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