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.

Recent Posts

A Dental Implant Is A Dental Appliance To Replace Missing Teeth

Having missing teeth can make life difficult for a variety of reasons but with the help of a dental implant, life can become much easier. This dental appliance has become a popular choice for replacing teeth that are missing. A missing tooth is unappealing to look at and can make chewing difficult, as food may not…

Why Saliva Is Important For Dental Health

Saliva and its importance is probably the least pressing issue in most people’s life. They probably do not even give it much thought. But, saliva plays a very important role in the mouth. Keep reading to find out why saliva is good for dental health.Saliva is a liquid found in the mouth comprised of water,…

Causes Of Teeth Overcrowding

Our 32 permanent adult teeth have many jobs including chewing, assisting with speaking, helping to form our facial structure and sharing smiles with friends, but sometimes these multipurpose tools can feel the squeeze of being crowded in the mouth. Teeth overcrowding each other is the result of a dental malady known as malocclusion. Malocclusion is…

How Do I Know If I Have Bad Breath?

Having bad breath is no laughing matter. It can lead to severe problems with your personal and professional life. Just think about it. What do you do when you run into someone who has foul-smelling breath? You probably made the conversation as short as possible and escaped the first opportunity you had.There are many stigmas…


Recent Posts

Find A Dentist For A Dental Checkup

Find A Dentist For A Dental Checkup

Strong oral hygiene habits are not a substitute for having regular check-ups and cleanings by a dentist. It is important to find a dentist who focuses on oral health and general dentistry when looking to make a dental check-up. By scheduling routine cleanings, concerns with cavities and gum disease will not go unnoticed or unaddressed.Rather…

Find A Dentist For Dental Fillings

Find A Dentist For Dental Fillings

When one is looking to find a dentist, it is important to understand the basic dental procedures that may be recommended. Dental fillings are one of the most frequently used restorations used in dentistry to treat cavities. There are two common types used, including silver and tooth-colored fillings. To make informed treatment decisions, patients should…