Cavities are a common occurrence and can cause embarrassment, sensitivity in the teeth, and pain.
Although brushing often and visiting the dentist often will help prevent dental issues, there are ways to make your teeth extra resistant to tooth decay in their latest stages.
Keep reading to discover our no-fail tricks on how to prevent cavities.
1. Knowing Your Cavity Risk Level
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are a common problem. They occur when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth. Plaque produces acids that eat away at the enamel, or hard outer layer, of your teeth.
You are at increased risk for cavities if you have a dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or consume sugary or acidic foods and drinks. If you wear dentures, you may also be at increased risk.
2. Brushing Twice Daily
To prevent cavities, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Doing this will help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities. Here are tips to help you brush your teeth properly:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Apply gentle strokes
- Brush on all sides of your teeth
- Spit out the toothpaste after brushing
- Rinse mouth with water after brushing
3. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
When it comes to cavity prevention, fluoride toothpaste is your best friend. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acids that cause them. When shopping for toothpaste, look for one that has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval.
This means that the ADA has tested the toothpaste and found it to be effective at fighting cavities. When using fluoride toothpaste, be sure to use a pea-sized amount and brush thoroughly for two minutes. Spit it out after brushing and don’t rinse, so that the fluoride has a chance to work.
4. Flossing Regularly
It’s no secret that cavities are caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque is removed by brushing and flossing regularly. But even if you brush twice a day and floss once a day, you may still develop cavities if you don’t do it correctly.
Here are tips for flossing properly:
Use the Proper Amount of Floss
Most people don’t use enough floss when they floss. You should use about 18 inches of floss, wind most of it around your middle finger, and hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Apply Gentle Pressure
Floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to slide the floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to prevent cavities. Using mouthwash after flossing can help remove food and plaque from your teeth, and it can also help kill bacteria that cause cavities.
Be sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, and be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds.
5. Eating a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is important for many reasons. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, have more energy, and avoid diseases. Did you know that eating a balanced diet can also help prevent cavities?
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
The fiber in these foods helps to scrape away plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for oral health.
Be sure to eat a variety of these foods every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
To prevent cavities, avoid sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Water is the best beverage for preventing cavities.
Limit fruit juice and flavored water to no more than 4 ounces per day.
Eat Less Acidic Foods
Acidic foods and drinks can cause tooth enamel to soften and erode. This makes teeth more susceptible to cavities. Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks to help neutralize the acid.
Drink Fluoridated Water
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to drink fluoridated water. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridated water can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 25 percent.
6. Visiting the Dentist Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is by visiting the dentist regularly. During these visits, the dentist will be able to clean your teeth and check for any early signs of decay. They can also provide you with information on how to take care of your teeth properly.
Your dentist can help you determine your cavity risk level and recommend steps to reduce your risk.
7. Considering Flouride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one way to help prevent cavities. The fluoride is applied to the teeth and helps to strengthen the enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay.
There are a few things to consider when getting fluoride treatments. First, the treatments are most effective when they are received regularly, so it is important to make sure that you are getting them as often as your dentist recommends.
Secondly, fluoride treatments can sometimes cause the teeth to become fluorosis, which means that they become stained or discolored.
Learn How to Prevent Cavities Today
Preventing cavities is important for maintaining good oral health. There are many simple steps that can be taken on how to prevent cavities, including brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, avoiding sugary drinks, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly.
By following these tips, you can help keep your teeth healthy and avoid cavities.
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