10 Tips To Prevent Cavities!

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Cavities are an important oral health issue for children, teens, and adults. Cavity creation is a risk when the sticky bacterium substance called “plaque”, steadily forms on teeth and gums. When foods containing sugar are consumed, plaque feeds on the sugars and produces acids. These acids attack tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface layer) causing the tooth to rot over time. A sign for early cavity detection is a ‘white spot’ appearing on the teeth enamel. At this stage, tooth decay can be stopped or reversed. If the treatment of tooth decay does not occur, the enamel may be damaged and form a cavity.

Here are 10 tips to prevent cavities from developing:

1. Use fluoride toothpaste:

Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water, and some foods that can avert, reduce or stop early tooth decay. It decreases the ability of the plaque bacteria to produce acid and avert mineral loss in dental enamel. For most people, using fluoride toothpaste twice a day provides acceptable protection. The wide-ranging use of fluoride (averaging 95% of all toothpaste sales in developed nations) is seen to be a major contributor to the decline of cavities for over the past thirty years.

2. Reduce on sugary foods and drinks:

Snacking on sweets and starchy foods causes repeated acid attacks on teeth. More saliva is produced during meals, so eating sugary foods in this time is superior to help break down the ensuing acid. Healthier snack possibilities include cheese, fruit and veggies.

3. Consider dental sealants:

Dental sealants provide a protecting coating to the surface of back teeth. The resin material acts as a barrier to plaque and acids, which can cause tooth decay. The biting surface of back teeth is probably one of the most susceptible areas for cavities thanks to the grooves, pits and fissures which exist. It is tough to clean these areas, especially when the grooves are deeper.

4. Drink soda through a straw:

Water is the best drink around for good oral health, but if soda is something you simply can’t give up, consider drinking it with a straw. This can help minimize the sugary and acidic soda damaging teeth, handiest when the straw does not come into contact with the teeth. Take into account that while diet soda has less sugar than the regular kind, it contains a lot of acids, which might cause tooth decay.

5. Have regular dental cleanings:

Visiting your dentist for regular teeth cleanings and oral exams are a very important part of maintaining good dental health. Professional teeth cleanings help to eliminate plaque increases. A dentist can help spot problems early when they are simpler and less expensive to treat. Most dentists also practice preventive care, to help stop problems before they even happen. Your dentist can counsel you on the best cleaning techniques to improve your oral hygiene routines.

6. Eat more crunchy veggies and fruit:

Foods with fiber ( carrots, apples, celery ) have a cleaning effect on your mouth when being eaten. The crisp texture wipes away bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The amount of chewing needed to eat fibrous food also stimulates an increase in saliva production, which is the best natural defense against cavities. Saliva starts to neutralize acids around twenty minutes after eating.

7. Drink water after eating:

Water provides an excellent mouth rinse, washing away both bacteria and the remains of food that can become plaque. Water also neutralizes the effects of acidic and sweet foods. Tap water in several nations includes fluoride, which also helps avert tooth rot in a similar manner to fluoride toothpaste. Tooth decay is likelier to occur in a dry mouth, so drinking water frequently is the best way to combat this.

8. Brush teeth twice a day:

One of the most significant parts of your at-home oral hygiene routine is brushing your teeth at least two times a day. One of these brushings should happen before heading off to bed. Brushing must be avoided right after consuming acidic foods and drink ( fruit, soda or wine ) to give saliva an opportunity to neutralize the acid. If it is not possible to brush after mealtimes, rinsing your mouth with water is a good practice.

9. Consume more calcium:

Teeth are composed of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Eating calcium-rich foods can help protect teeth against acids and rebuild dental enamel. Calcium is present in dark green leafy veg, almonds, a selection of fortified drinks ( soy, rice, juice ), canned salmon or sardines ( with bones ) and of course, dairy products.

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10. Floss teeth frequently:

Along with brushing teeth, flossing should be performed at least once daily to remove plaque and particles of food stuck to teeth and gums. The area between teeth is particularly exposed to cavity formation but is tough to reach with toothbrush bristles. Flossing before sleeping is equally as important as brushing teeth.

 

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