A Guide to Preventing Cavities

Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you are not sure what you need to do to prevent cavities, these tips should improve your oral hygiene and help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

How to prevent cavities

Brush your teeth regularly

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly, but a lot of people do not use proper technique. If you want to prevent cavities, you have to brush your teeth thoroughly, which means brushing the front and back of your teeth. It is also recommended that you use toothpaste that contains fluoride because it is very effective in preventing cavities.

Avoid sugary drinks

The sugar in soda and other sugary drinks remain on your teeth after you drink them, allowing the bacteria in your mouth to thrive. This leads to plaque buildup, which if left on your teeth hardens and turns into tartar, causing gum disease and tooth decay. The acids in the drinks also damage your enamel, weakening your teeth. You should limit your intake of sugary drinks and if you do have one, try to brush your teeth shortly after consuming it or use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.

Eat healthy foods

Your nutrition plays a big role in your oral health, which is why you should eat healthy foods. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates stick to your teeth and can lead to cavities if you do not practice good oral hygiene.

Drink tap water

Drinking water is good for your overall health as well as your oral health. Dentists recommend drinking tap water because it contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities. If you are wary about drinking tap water, some bottled water contains fluoride, but you need to check the label to make sure it does.

Use mouthwash

Brushing your teeth shortly after every meal is a great way to prevent cavities, but since it is not realistic for most people, mouthwash is the best alternative. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing your teeth and after every meal to prevent plaque and tartar from forming on your teeth and gums.

Chew sugarless gum

Regular gum is not good for your teeth because they have a lot of sugar, which is why dentists recommend sugarless gum. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in your mouth, which is useful in preventing cavities. If you are wondering which brand of gum to buy, look for the ones with the American Dental Association’s seal.

Visit your dentist regularly

This might be the best way to prevent the formation of cavities because your dentist will examine your mouth during each visit and pick up on signs of cavities easily. Your dentist also cleans your mouth out with fluoride every time you go for a checkup, helping to prevent cavities.

Conclusion

Having cavities can lead to more serious dental problems, which is why you have to practice good oral hygiene to protect yourself. If you need more tips about preventing cavities, ask your dentist for some advice the next time you go for a checkup.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.