7 Ways to Prevent Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, takes place when plague, the sticky substance that forms on the teeth, combines with the sugars and starches of the foods we consume. This mixture creates acids that strike the tooth enamel. Tooth decay is among the most widespread diseases in the United States. Cavities can be easily prevented by taking a few precautions:

1.     Cavities can be easily prevented, first and foremost, by brushing your teeth. It is really important to brush the teeth properly with toothpaste that has fluoride, at least twice a day.

2.     Floss daily. Since food particles gets caught in our teeth every time we eat, we should remove them by flossing. Flossing everyday is the best way to remove the food debris in between the teeth.  If those are not removed, it may be a cause of cavities.

3.     Eat nutritious food. Proper nutrition plays a very important role in dental health. Limiting the amount of food to intake that contains sugar will help prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth.

4.     Visit your dentist. Paying a visit to your dentist for regular check-ups and oral cleaning are best ways to prevent tooth decay and practice good oral hygiene.

5.     Have dental sealants placed on your teeth. Dental sealants are protective covering that is applied to the molars. It protects the tooth from getting tooth decay by guarding it against bacteria and plaque. These can be beneficial to adults as well as children because of the growth of their permanent teeth.

6.     Use mouthwash. Mouthwash, such as Listerine or Crest Pro health, contains antimicrobial particles that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque build-up. Rinsing with mouthwash after brushing can be of help in fighting cavities.

7.     Try chewing sugar-free gums. In a research, it is found that chewing sugar-free gums may aid in the prevention of cavities by increasing the saliva production of your mouth. Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse and Extra chewing gums were awarded by the American Dental Association in 2007 for being of help in the prevention of cavities.