HEALTH

Your Bod

Kick cavities to the curb with these teeth tips

 

If you've ever had a cavity, you know that they are *super* annoying and painful. They can be caused from a lot of different things (not just sugary food) so it's important to take care of your teeth—you only get one set for life, after all. Here are some great tips on how to keep your chompers in tip-top shape and avoid those scary root canals. 

1. Brush your teeth often. That means at least twice a day (once in the morning, once at night) to get all of the food and sugar off your teeth. 

2. Don’t forget to floss. Flossing is important becasue you need to get the food bits that get stuck between your teeth. It's a pain to do but totally necessary.

3. Try to eat more fruit for snacks instead of candy or junk food. Those Sour Patch Kids and Reese's cups are delicious but maybe they shouldn't be your go-to snack every single afternoon. Change it up sometimes by eating an apple with PB or banana chips to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

4. Drink lots of water after you eat. Drinking water can rinse the extra food out of the spaces between your teeth. 

5. Rinse out your mouth with Listerine. This is *not* a replacement for brushing your teeth but can help clean your mouth. Swish and spit once a day for 30 seconds. 

6. Visit your dentist regularly. Get your teeth cleaned, and get oral exams so your dentist is able to check your teeth to see if you may have any cavities. If you often have oral issues or cavities you should visit your dentist every 4-6 months. If not, it is important to go to the dentist at least once a year. 

7. Drink tap water. Tap water can be good for your teeth because it has fluoride in it which helps keep them strong, making it more difficult to get cavities. 

Have you ever had a cavity? Tell us what it was like below! 

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

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by Mary Kate Biser | 5/26/2018
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