4 Steps To Preventing Cavities

Cavities are often regarded as a common dental problem among children, but they can also affect adults and infants. Also referred to as tooth decay or dental caries, cavities occur when healthy tooth enamel is destroyed by bacteria and harmful acids. The natural bacteria in your mouth live and multiply through food, turning foods' sugars into acid that attack the mouth. The attack can often result in tooth decay, which can be repaired with the proper treatment. If these bacteria go unchecked, tooth decay can lead to disease and even death. When not treated properly, dental caries can lead to infection, toothaches and even tooth loss. Below, find helpful guidelines for preventing cavities.

Brush and Floss:
One of the most effective ways to prevent cavities is maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis - at least twice a day and, if possible, between meals - has a great impact on the health of your teeth and gums. This helps rid your mouth of the food particles on which bacteria thrive. When brushing your teeth, you can reach the spaces between your teeth and gum by holding the brush at a 45-degree angle, and then brushing gently in either a short back-and-forth motion or small circular motion. Recent studies have also found that using an electric toothbrush for 2 minutes is shown to be better than 2 minutes with a manual toothbrush. Adding in flossing allows you to remove food particles from between your teeth.

Watch What You Eat:
Frequent snacking and unhealthy foods can lead to tooth decay, as acids are created in your mouth every time you eat. Eating multiple snacks throughout the day or sipping on a drink other than water for a long period of time means that your teeth are constantly under attack. It's also important to avoid sweet, sticky foods that can get stuck in your teeth. For example, candy, cookies, potato chips, pretzels, dried fruits and raisins contain large amounts of sugar that can turn into attacking acids. Tooth-healthy foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts.

Fluoride Treatments:
With the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, drinking tap water can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Popularity of water bottles, however, has decreased the consumption of tap water. You can receive fluoride treatments professionally from your dentist, or you can consider over-the-counter treatments such as mouthwash or toothpaste.

Visit Your Dentist:
Regular visits to the dentist can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy, as well as ensure cavities or other dental problems are detected early. Make sure to schedule appointments with your dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and to discuss how to keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free.