Preventing cavities is without a doubt preferable to treating them.
By taking a few simple steps to prevent cavities, you can avoid the pain, expense, and health risks associated with tooth decay.
Here are four easy ways to stop cavities before they start:
- Brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day. Flossing is just as important as brushing, since it enables you to reach food particles a toothbrush can’t access. By brushing and flossing on a regular basis, you minimize the amount of time bacteria spends forming cavity-causing plaque on your teeth.
- Use the power of fluoride, which can be found in tap water as well as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to decay and can even reverse decay in its early stages. In addition to the fluoride you get from your toothpaste and drinking water, our dentists and hygienists may recommend fluoride treatments to further protect your teeth against decay.
- Choose foods and beverages that are good for your teeth. Candies and other junk foods that get stuck to your teeth can linger, forming acids that cause tooth decay. Instead, choose tooth-friendly snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help prevent cavities, as it stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria.
- Consider getting dental sealants placed on your molars. These thin layers of plastic are easily applied in a single appointment and can help protect your teeth from decay for up
to a decade.
In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices that help prevent cavities, you should also see your dentist on a regular basis for routine exams and cleanings.
At your appointments, one of our dentists can identify tooth decay in its early stages, which means easier (and often less expensive) treatment. Preventing cavities and other oral health problems is easy with a little effort!
Related Posts:
