Know that one of the best preventions against a cavity is simply taking good care of your teeth and gums. This includes having good nutrition, consistent oral hygiene, eating fewer sugary snacks and using fluorides and sealants. Below are a few helpful hints about how to prevent cavities. Heed our advice and you’ll keep a bright, white and healthy smile!
Good Nutrition. Good nutrition is critical in keeping healthy teeth. When aiming for healthy mouth, consuming less simple sugar (sucrose or table sugar) will reduce the number of acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. You must also incorporate adequate dietary calcium, phosphorous, vitamins A, D, and C into your diet to promote healthy and strong enamel formation.
Oral Hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth is extremely important in preventing cavities. Brushing your teeth frequently helps reduce acid plaque damage to enamel, while flossing removes the acid plaque from the smooth surfaces between your teeth. Remember that if you cannot brush immediately after a meal, you should try chewing self-cleaning foods after you eat.
Fewer Snacks. Eating snacks and desserts in between meals causes teeth to be covered in acid continuously, which is not good for the health of your teeth. In an effort to keep a clean mouth and prevent cavities, it is best to eat fewer snacks in between meals to help reduce the amount of acidic build-up on your teeth.
Fluorides and Sealants. Fluorides and sealants are often overlooked but are extremely important in keeping healthy teeth. Oral fluorides strengthen the developing enamel and dentin layers of young teeth before they erupt. Topical fluorides fill in the pores of immature enamel or small early cavities and reduce cavities in already erupted teeth. Sealants are plastic coatings painted on the pits and fissures of chewing surfaces of back teeth and are extremely effective in preventing cavities. They are recommended for all permanent molars in children.
