Although our Decatur office is currently closed, your oral health is still our concern
Is your smile as healthy as it could be? In addition to visiting your Decatur, IL, family dentists, Drs. Natalie and Chad Corley, for 
checkups, these steps can help you maintain good oral health:
Say no to sugar
Staying away from sugary foods and beverages can help you reduce your risk of cavities. Sugar is a problem because it interacts with the bacteria in plaque to form strong acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Sugary foods aren't the only problem. Eating foods high in carbohydrates can also trigger acid production. When you chew chips, pretzels, white bread, and other similar foods, carbohydrates break down into sugars.
Avoiding these foods and snacking on fruits and vegetables can help you keep your tooth decay risk low.
Reevaluate your oral hygiene routine
By now, brushing your teeth has probably become second nature. Unfortunately, if you don't take enough time to brush, you may be leaving plaque behind on your teeth. The American Dental Association notes that brushing for two minutes twice a day is crucial to keeping plaque under control.
Don't forget to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Plaque accumulates on your tongue and can transfer to your teeth just minutes after you brush them.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, yet it's a task that many people avoid. When you don't floss, plaque remains in the spaces between your teeth, where it can soon cause cavities. Daily flossing gets rid of plaque and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Follow brush and flossing with mouthwash for extra protection. Look for products in stores that contain fluoride and offer anti-bacterial benefits. Fluoride, whether it's in toothpaste or mouthwash, rebuilds tooth enamel weakened by acids. Using fluoridated oral care products regularly offers a simple way to reduce your risk of cavities.
Good oral hygiene helps you protect your smile! If you have a dental emergency, call your family dentists in Decatur, IL, Drs. Natalie and Chad Corley, at (217) 330-6217. We are open for dental emergencies. Call with any concerns or questions.