How to Prevent Dental Cavities and Decay

oral hygiene

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According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), tooth decay is the number one most chronic disease in both adults and children. The good news is that the prevalence of dental cavities has decreased in total over the past four decades.

Unlike many chronic diseases, tooth decay and cavities can be prevented with proper oral care and eating habits.

Here’s a look at how to prevent dental cavities:

Have a Good Oral Health Routine

Preventing cavities all starts with a good at-home oral health care routine. Here’s a look at what a good routine should look like.

Brushing at Least Twice a Day:

Make sure that you brush using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush on a twice-daily basis. It’s also a good idea to brush following the consumption of sugary foods or drinks to eliminate potentially harmful remnants from within your mouth. Sugar can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Follow these tips to protect tooth enamel.

Floss at Least Once Per Day:

Brushing is one thing, but flossing is something that many people fail to do regularly. Flossing is important for several reasons. One, it helps to remove food debris stuck between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Additionally, it can remove plaque along the gum line. If left untreated, this plaque can eventually escalate into gum disease and possibly even periodontal disease.

Consider Antibacterial Mouth Rinse:

It’s worth noting that any kind of a mouthwash should not be a substitution for brushing or flossing, but more of a complementary addition to any oral health care routine. An antibacterial mouth rinse is ideal for mouths that are rich with bacteria, helping to give them some extra oomph for eliminating cavity-causing agents.

See Your Dentist Regularly:

It should go without saying that you should be seeing your dentist at least twice per year, or once every six months. Professional dental cleanings are crucial to keeping a healthy mouth.

Adjust Your Diet & Eat Right

Aside from oral health, another important thing you can do to prevent the onset of dental cavities is watching what you eat. Yes, anything is typically OK in moderation, but here are some facts to know about your diet and tooth decay:

Limit the Sugary Foods

Watch the amount of sugar-laden or starchy foods that you consume, as these foods tend to leave cavity-causing acids in the mouth following consumption. Here are a few ways to cut down sugar in kids’ diets.

Drink Water

Trade soda and other sugar-filled drinks for water.

Eat Produce

Eat your fair share of fruits and vegetables, which help to revitalize tooth enamel and help with saliva production.

Cut Out Smoking

Other lifestyle choices like smoking can also accelerate tooth decay.

Start Preventing Dental Cavities

The best way to treat cavities is to have them filled by a dentist. However, ideally, you want to prevent cavities through a healthy diet and a good oral health at-home routine. Get started on that cavity prevention with an oral health exam and cleaning!

Contact Caven Dental today.

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