Tooth Decay

Keep a good dietary habit

Every time when we eat or drink, demineralization occurs at the surface of our teeth creates a chance for getting tooth decay. The more often we eat and drink, the greater the chances for us to have tooth decay. Therefore, having regular meals three times a day with sufficient amount of food during each meal will reduce the frequency of meals we have, and thus reduce the chance of getting tooth decay. Avoid snacking in between meals. If you feel hungry in between meals, you may snack once. When you feel thirsty, just drink plain water to quench thirst.

Photograph showing a boy drinking water to quench thirst.

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night

Fluoride strengthens the teeth by increasing their resistance to acid attack. Fluoride also facilitates mineral to re-enter the teeth (remineralization) and helps repair early tooth decay lesions. Therefore, you should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Photograph of man using a toothpaste.

Have regular dental check-up

Have regular dental check-up at least once a year so that early tooth decay can be diagnosed at an early stage. Preventive dental treatments such as fissure sealants can be applied when appropriate.